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This year, as we’re driving home for Christmas, our stretched finances will come under yet more pressure from the expense of filling up at the pumps. While prices have come down from the horrors we faced at the peak of the oil crisis, we’re still forking out a small fortune.
Government figures show that after the price of food, and gas and electricity bills, it’s the third most pressing rising cost in family budgets.
But we don’t have to resign ourselves to this, because there are 10 easy ways to reduce the amount you spend on fuel.
Shop around
If you go out of your way for cheaper petrol, you’ll spend more money burning fuel to get there than you’ll save by finding a better deal, so check petrolprices.com for the cheapest option on the routes you normally drive.
Don’t assume the supermarket is cheapest
This always used to be the case, but now that the supermarkets have found their margins squeezed on food, they’re making more on their petrol.
Read more: The safest ways to borrow money if you overspend this Christmas
The cheapest supermarkets in the cheapest areas still have the lowest prices. However, check the deals locally, because you may well find the cheapest has changed.
Only fill up half a tank
Otherwise you’ll end up burning petrol just carrying around the weight of a full tank.
Ditch the junk
If you tend to accumulate things in your car, have a clear out. Not only is it safer, but by lowering the weight of what you carry, you can improve the efficiency of the car.
Take the roof box off
At the very least get rid of it when you don’t need it, and consider packing light so you don’t need it at Christmas either. If you manage to get everyone something small for Christmas you can save money on petrol by driving a lighter car.
Check the tyre pressure
Prepare for long journeys by checking the tyre pressure — keeping them properly inflated will cut your fuel consumption.
Keep on top of servicing
Routine mechanic checks will uncover things like clogged air filters, which make your car less efficient.
Read more: Five ways to make a successful complaint
Change the console to show your fuel efficiency
If your car has this option, it’s a great way to keep an eye on the impact of your driving style, and encourage you to slow down and drive more smoothly. Any queasy passengers will thank you for it too.
Combine trips
Ideally we can cut out unnecessary trips, but if you’re struggling to drive less, then at least try to combine short journeys.
Even if you end up driving the same distance as you would for two trips, you’ll save petrol, because a warm engine is more efficient than a cold one.