Petrol
Get the best price. Try Googling websites who list garages in your area and current prices. However do not trawl the streets in search of a good price as this is wasting fuel unnecessarily.
Try Googling websites who list garages in your area and current prices. However do not trawl the streets in search of a good price as this is wasting fuel unnecessarily.
Drive like Miss Daisy but think like Lewis Hamilton. Formula One teams use fuel volume as a tactic to win races. But driving your own car is not a race - it's about getting to your destination safely. Have less in the tank and you will do more miles for your money; being careful not to run out of fuel!
Keep the revs down. Driving at around 2000rpm for a diesel and 2500rpm for a petrol car (approximately 56mph) on clear sections of motorways will win you extra miles for your tank. The same goes for gear changes – change gear as soon as possible without labouring the engine.
Check tyre pressure regularly. Research by a major motoring organisation has shown that 20% under-inflation can increase your fuel consumption by 3%. Under-pressure tyres can also reduce the life of a tyre by around 30%.
Don't unnecessarily accelerate approaching a junction. Avoid rapidly accelerating and needless sharp breaking by looking ahead and predicting distances to stopping points and obstacles; remain vigilant, naturally slowing down.
Don't leave the golf clubs in the boot. Keeping the car light will increase the longevity of the gallon. Don't carry items unnecessarily; for example, roof racks and golf clubs when they are not being used.
Plan your route. Knowing where to go beforehand, avoiding unnecessary detours will mean less mileage.
Go al fresco. Having your air conditioning on full blast reduces your average mpg. In fact any electrical load increases fuel consumption. So if you feel too warm, have the air conditioning on low; or if speeds are slow, open up the window.
Switch off. If you're going to be stationary for more than a couple of minutes, switch the engine off.
Vote with your feet. Demand is a major factor in pricing. Rather than driving to buy your loaf and jam, why not walk? This gives you great exercise, is good for the environment and also saves extra pounds. If you need to go on short journeys, try and combine them.
Use a cash-back card. Many credit cards offer cash-back schemes; take advantage of these, buy your fuel with them and get a percentage back – as long as you settle the bill within the interest free period.
Don't take risks. All these cost saving ideas come with a word of caution. Do not implement any of them if it is causing danger to you, your passengers or others.
Marc Lockley is a negotiation coach who writes for the Guardian online and is the author of 'How To Pay Less For More: the consumer's guide to negotiating the best deals - whatever you are buying'. Marc's opinions are his own and for general information only. Always seek independent advice.