1. Keep your tyres fully pumped-up and cut your air-conditioning usage

An estimated 50% of all UK drivers have under-inflated tyres. This causes more resistance which results in more fuel being used. The RAC advises that your fuel bills will increase by up to 2% if your tyres are not fully inflated to the recommended pressure.

Ensure your tyres pressure is kept at the correct level by checking them once a week. You can find out the recommended pressure readings for your tyres by consulting your car manual.

According to the National Energy Foundation, using air conditioning will increase your fuel consumption by up to 25%, so only use it when absolutely necessary. An alternative method to stay cool is opening the air vents, or even simply opening the windows. However, if you’re travelling over 60mph an open window will increase drag which can end up costing more than having your air-con on.

2. Service your vehicle

If you don’t service your car regularly enough you may be reducing your fuel economy by 10% or more. Some of the key areas that must be covered are changing the air filters, as according to the RAC, dirty filters can seriously increase fuel usage; and regular oil changes, as clean oil will reduce the wear caused from friction of all the moving engine components, thus improving fuel economy.

Both of the tasks mentioned above are inexpensive and can help to drive your fuel costs down.

3. Change your driving habits

Changing the way you drive can drastically reduce fuel consumption, and this isn’t just about refraining yourself from putting your foot down.

Try to keep you gears higher. This will allow the engine to not have to work as hard and thus reduce the amount of fuel required. When using this technique ensure you are in a safe environment to do so, as using higher gears gives you less control over the car.

The RAC claims that if you avoid braking sharply then accelerating, you could save you up to 30% on fuel costs. The National Energy Foundation recommends that those driving a petrol car should change up a gear at 2,500rpm and at 2,000rpm for diesel cars to get the best fuel-efficiency. When starting from a stopped position, accelerate slowly as this will keep your revs down.

If you drive at 85mph you will use approximately 25% more fuel than at 70mph, so keep to the speed limit, especially on long motorway journeys.

4. Remove unnecessary weight and reduce drag

Take anything you won’t be needing for your journey out of the car, especially on long journeys. This includes things like removable seats, roof racks and sports equipment. Reconsider installing accessories that will add significant weight to your car and wide tyres that will add rolling resistance. According to the website save-petrol.co.uk, on average, each additional 50kg in weight will increase your petrol consumption by 2%.

Novelty flags and fancy sun roofs will also effect the aerodynamic drag of your car, thus increasing how much fuel your car will guzzle. Another interesting fact is that the weight of the fuel you carry will also effect how much fuel is required to move your car, so never fill your tank up to the top.

It is well worth doing a bit of research into which stations generally have the cheaper prices. Prices can vary quite a lot and that few pence could save you significant amounts every month. But don’t drive too far to find the best rates, as this will cancel out any savings you make. Try to tie your trip to the petrol station in with a regular trip, such as your weekly supermarket shop.

5. Cut emissions and lower fuel costs

Try to get out of the habit of using your car unnecessarily for short trips as these can be the least fuel efficient of all, especially when driving in towns ad cities as you are constantly having to stop and start. Cars also use more fuel when cold, so a car that would usually do 40 miles to the gallon when motorway driving, may fall as down below 15 miles per gallon on a short journey. If you could walk or even cycle these short journeys you will notice the difference.

If you have to use your car to commute to work, if possible it is definitely worth considering car sharing with a colleague, as this can cut your fuel bills in half. Alternatively, look into park-and-ride schemes. If you can’t do either of the above, plan your journey to make sure you are taking the most cost effective route, and keep an eye on traffic reports to avoid hold-ups.

Something also worth noting it that a small car will consume a litre of fuel every hour when stuck in a traffic jam, but larger cars guzzle double this amount

When looking to buy a new car, look around for the greenest in your price range as this will not only give you major savings in fuel costs, but also give out lower CO2 emissions which directly effects how much your car will cost to tax.

6. Clubcard points on fuel

Supermarkets are known for competing in every market they touch, and this rule is no different with their petrol stations, so next time you do your weekly food shop, stop and fill up as this way you will be completing two tasks in one trip.

As well as offering good rates, some supermarkets also offer clubcard points for every pound spend, on petrol as well as in store. This means that ny sticking to one chain, you can accumulate points that can be saved up and used to purchase goods and services that you would never have otherwise been exposed to.

To increase your reward points you could take out a Tesco Clubcard credit card, offering 5 points for every £4 spent. At the end of every month you will be sent Tesco clubcard vouchers reflecting the amount of points earned for the month. These vouchers can then be used to pay for goods in-store at any Tesco supermarket, online at Tesco Direct, or at any Tesco fueling station. You can even turn Points into Airmiles!

The Tesco Credit Card also comes with a range of other attractive features and discounts, so it might be time to switch your card and make the most of your savings.

About the Author: UK Price Comparison website Which4U – Compare Credit Cards, Savings Accounts, Compare Fixed Rate Bonds, Bank Accounts, ISAs, Loans, Mortgages, Insurance, TV & Broadband and Gas/Electric bills to find the best UK deals