Expert says using TikTok trend to save petrol is 'extremely risky'

It's no secret that petrol is expensive, as many Brits dread filling up the tank.

As much as it feels good to make sure your car is fully fuelled again, the chore often leads to draining your bank account. Perhaps that's why some people go to extreme lengths to try and save money.

One way people have been doing this is by trying out a new TikTok trend that recommends tailgating as a way to save fuel, but it's recently been dubbed "extremely risky" by experts. Motorhome expert Nick Roach, at JustGo, said the supposed hack is actually pretty dangerous.

The expert said there are far better ways to try and save fuel, as the risky hack can come with dire consequences. It's been warned trying out the method increases the risk of collisions, injury and even death in some circumstances.

Nick detailed just why tailgating is so wrong, and should be avoided at all costs. It may be going viral online, but people have been urged to ditch trying it out.

Tailgating is the process of closely following the vehicle in front, and is said to improve fuel efficiency by reducing air resistance. While it's a common tactic in motorsports, experts have warned that this driving technique is very dangerous when applied on public roads.

This is because for tailgating to have a direct impact on a car’s fuel consumption, drivers need to be within a few feet of the vehicle in front of them, which can increase the risk of accidents. What’s more, tailgating reduces reaction times.

In the event that the vehicle in front brakes suddenly, drivers have less time to brake themselves, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. Where large vehicles are involved including lorries, trucks and motorhomes, vision can also be impacted.

Driving closely to other vehicles can also provoke road rage incidents, which is another cause of many road accidents and incidents.

Nick said there are much better ways you can try and save on fuel, as there are several strategies that can help drivers to reduce their fuel consumption. One of them includes planning effective routes and using apps to find less congested areas.

You can also avoid peak traffic times as stop-and-go driving is known to consume more fuel. Smart driving like maintaining a steady speed, avoiding excessive acceleration and using cruise control on the motorway can also help with efficient fuel consumption.

Regular car maintenance with properly inflated tyres, recommended oil and quality air filters is also key. While saving fuel via tailgating might seem appealing, the risks significantly outweigh the benefits.

More than just ineffective however, it’s also very dangerous for everyone on the road.