All UK drivers have been issued a speed bump warning.
Motorists and road users who brake before driving over speed bumps while on UK roads could be ruining their fuel consumption, drastically. This is not to say you should drive over at full speed, however.
Experts at LQK Euro Car Parts explained that braking for every speed bump and then accelerating away could burn more fuel.
This is because of the stop-start nature and frantically using the pedals is when “most fuel is used”.
Thanks to a member of public flagging this massive hole in the speed bump on Bodmin Crescent.
— Cllr Wayne Dixon (@Wayne_Dixon) February 7, 2024
You can report issues like this here: https://t.co/kA1fYKf3EJ pic.twitter.com/Si6ZI6327f
LQK Euro Car Parts said: “Acceleration and deceleration whilst driving can mean extra fuel is used, and this includes driving over speed bumps, so learning how to properly tackle them could save motorists a lot of money."
The RAC recently found that diesel dropped to under 150p (150.13p) for the first time since early February, from 153.74p.
It now costs around £80 (£79.76) to fill up a 55-litre family car with petrol and £82.57 for the diesel equivalent.
LQK said: “Drivers can avoid unnecessary fuel consumption by driving at a constant speed and avoiding accelerating or braking too often in between speed bumps, which is when most fuel is used.”
BookMyGarage commented: “If you are approaching a speed bump, try not to accelerate quickly or slam on the brakes to go over the bump.
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RAC says the opposite
"It is better to maintain a constant speed of around 15 to 20mph – unless your car is especially low or the bumps are high.”
However, the RAC warns that driving over speed bumps without slowing down can cause damage to vehicles, particularly to the underside and suspension.
A Confused.com study found that almost half (48%) of the damaged cars sustained tyre issues, while a third (33%) experienced suspension problems.
Although, with a fifth of drivers admitting to not slowing down over speed bumps, the amount of damage is perhaps unsurprising.
The research is based on an online survey of 2,000 drivers and Freedom of Information requests sent to local councils.
And 28% say they believe speed bumps need to be marked more clearly, while over a quarter think they’re ineffective at calming traffic.
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