Reducing the cost of motoring

Given ongoing rises in fuel prices, as well as numerous other costs such as insurance, road tax, parking fees and general upkeep of a vehicle, motorists are certainly right to moan about how hard keeping behind the wheel is on their pocket.
 
However, it's often the case that even the most savvy of drivers could cut back on their outgoings, as well as their carbon emissions, by using a little common sense and making use of smarter motoring tips.
 
Tyres:
 
All too often, the only time drivers think about their tyres is when they are forced to change them, despite the fact that they are one of the most sensitive and even important parts of a vehicle.
 
In particular, the pressure of a car's tyres can have a significant impact on its efficiency.
 
According to figures from Transport for London, underinflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by around two per cent, which may not seem like much on its own, but most definitely adds up in terms of yearly petrol costs.
 
Learn how to get in gear
 
European motorists may mock their American counterparts for not being able to deal with manual vehicles, but few would be laughing should they realise just how poorly their own gear changing skills are.
 
For instance, few drivers would be aware of the fact that changing up gears at lower revs - even as low as 2000 to 3000 rpm - can allow for significant fuel consumption improvements.
 
Keep it steady
 
Though it may be difficult for urban drivers, experts have long cited the importance of avoiding any sudden changes in speed.
 
Both accelerating quickly as well as braking sharply increases the amount of juice a car uses up, with this again hitting both a consumer's pocket and the environment.
 
Lighten your load
 
Even if such advanced driving tips may be well and good in theory but hard to execute when actually behind the wheel, there are some things even the least competent driver can do to save on fuel consumption.
 
For instance, millions of drivers up and down the country are likely motoring around with roof racks on even if they are just going to work, or with their golf clubs in the back of their new cars even though the temperature is below freezing.
 
As a general rule, it pays to have a clear out before driving off; again, it may seem like a small step, but even lightening the load by a few kilos can lead to savings of a few pence, which then add up over the long-term.
 
Just don't be wasteful
 
And then there are tips that can hardly be called advice, but rather should go without saying.
 
Sadly, too many drivers still seem keen to fill the pockets of the giant petrol firms by leaving their engines running while idling or by using air conditioning rather than winding their windows down on a hot day.
 
Finally, negotiating the best deal on car insurance may be a nightmare, in spite of - or rather because of - all the competing price comparison sites out there, but making small and steady cost cuts is only too easy.