WITH road tax, ongoing maintenance costs, MOTs and parking charges, coupled with the impending introduction of toll roads and controversial congestion charges, motorists’ wallets are under pressure like never before.

But, says Jet, there is one important cost that drivers do hold the key to cutting — fuel. Roy Roley, brand communications manager at Jet, said: “Maximising their car’s fuel efficiency is one area where motorists do have control.

"It is surprising that more motorists do not know that by simply changing their driving habits and paying a little more attention to day-to-day maintenance, they can save themselves money, reduce emissions and increase road safety.”

Jet has produced these handy tips for lower consumption:

1. Ensure your car is serviced regularly – if it runs efficiently, you will get more miles to the gallon.

2. Remember to check your tyre pressure – uneven air pressure in tyres forces your car to work harder, drinking up fuel.

3. Stick to the speed limit – excessive speed is not only unsafe, it is expensive. If you cruise up the motorway at 85mph, you are not only breaking the law, you are burning up to a quarter more fuel than if you keep to the speed limit.

4. Accelerate and brake smoothly and steadily – a heavy foot means big fuel bills, as well as worn tyre rubber and break pads. Avoid resting your foot on the clutch or brake.

5. Select the right gear – driving in a lower gear than you need wastes fuel. Match your gear to the driving situation to optimise the time when you change up and down.

6. Replace your fuel and air filters – fuel filters can get clogged with debris, slowing down the flow of fuel into your car’s engine.

7. Turn off your air conditioning – using air conditioning can put a hole in your pocket when you buy your fuel.