How to save £45 on your motoring fuel costs

Change habits and drivers could save up to £45 on their monthly fuel bill: Santander Car Insurance offers five simple tips to cut the cost of motoring.

Pumping one's hard earned cash into the petrol tank is a depressing reality these days, especially with average UK fuel prices having climbed to new record highs. Compared to May 2010, petrol is almost 0.15p a litre more expensive; diesel 0.20p higher with oil currently at $122 a barrel.

But with a few minor changes to driving habits, as recommended by leading car insurance provider Santander, it is still possible to travel while continuing to enjoy some of life's little luxuries.

Change in driving habit - % increase in fuel efficiency
 
1. Half full. Keep your fuel tank half full - high enough to avoid running out and low enough to lighten the car. 2%
 
2. Switch off the air con. Air conditioning consumes a lot of fuel; reserve it for the hottest days only. 20%
 
3. Clean your air filter. Clogged air filters restrict airflow to the engine and dramatically decrease fuel efficiency. 10%
 
4. Tyre pressure. Tyres generally lose about 1 psi per month, and just one tyre deflated by 2 psi will result in a 1% increase in fuel consumption. 1%
 
5. De-clutter. Lose 25kg of boxes, tools etc and increase your fuel efficiency by 1%. 1%
 
Combined % fuel saved 34%

"Of course these figures will vary slightly for different ages and makes of car," said Santander Director of Insurance, Colin Greenhill. "However, based on the average car doing the average mileage at today's prices*, the monthly savings could be up to £45. And in real terms, the saving is equivalent to an additional 300 miles every month."

Add to this the motoring cost savings that can be made with £50 cashback when changing your car insurance to Santander - enough to fill the tank of an average family saloon, and perhaps driving can remain a necessity, not a luxury.