3 ways to cut down on driving costs

From finding the cheapest petrol and diesel, to making your car more fuel efficient, here’s how to reduce how much you spend getting from A to B.

1 Save at the pump

‘You can save money by seeking out the cheapest fuel every time you fill up your tank,’ says the RAC’S fuel spokesman Simon Williams. ‘Keep an eye on prices at the filling stations close to where you live or work so you know which is the most competitively priced. Taking a small detour to visit a cheap forecourt could save a few pence every litre – over a year’s driving the savings add up.’ You can also check prices online with websites like petrolprices.com, which lists prices at more than 8,000 petrol stations across the UK. 2 Make simple changes

‘There are changes you can make to your driving that will make your car more fuel efficient, like ensuring you accelerate gently. You’ll always need to accelerate on a journey, but that doesn’t mean having to pull away like you’re at Silverstone,’ says Simon. ‘And remember an engine warms up quicker when being driven than idling on the drive so, when possible, drive straight off rather than waiting for it to warm up; you’ll save a little fuel and it’s better for the environment too. Just ensure all windows are clear of frost and condensation before you set off.’

3 Lighten the load

‘Don’t leave your roof bars and roof box on when you’re not using them, because they create wind resistance and cause your car to use more fuel through the “drag” effect,’ explains Simon. ‘Don’t keep unnecessary items in your boot either as the heavier a vehicle is, the more fuel it will use. Also make sure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure; underinflated and overinflated tyres both adversely affect fuel economy,’ says Simon. There’s a guide on how to do this and more fuel-saving tips at rac.co.uk.