We reveal 25 easy ways to help your fuel go further.

Why is the price of petrol rising again?

Petrol and diesel prices were raised in April 2009 to offset the 2.5 per cent VAT cut announced in last year’s pre-budget report.

Since then prices have been gradually rising. The average cost of a litre of unleaded petrol stands at 99.9p per litre as of Monday 1 June, 2009.

How can I save money on fuel?

Here’s 25 easy ways to make your fuel go further:

1. Stay in the left lane on motorways where possible – doing 56mph uses 25 per cent less fuel than 70mph

2. Change gear at around 2,000rpm in a diesel car

3. Change gear at 2,500rpm if your car runs on petrol

4. Lighten the load – remove unnecessary items from your car and increase fuel economy by up to six per cent

5. Avoid letting the engine warm up before driving – it’s a big waste of fuel.

6. Drive off gently for the first few minutes so the engine gradually warms

7. Close the windows to make your car more aerodynamic

8. Switch off the air-conditioning – it can use up to 10 per cent more fuel

9. Check the pressure in your tyres at least once a week, and before every long journey – it could increase fuel economy by up to ten per cent

10. Use a map or sat-nav to find the quickest, easiest route

11. Reverse park – driving forwards after switching the engine on will use less fuel

12. Avoid speed bumps and built-up areas where possible

13. Find your cheapest local petrol station with petrolprices.com

14. Try and keep your fuel level at around halfway – a full tank will make your car heavy, and burn more fuel

15. Avoid filling up on the motorway, as service stations can have higher petrol prices

16. Remove your roof rack if you have one and it’s not in use – it can increase fuel consumption by up to 30 per cent

17. Stay at a steady, constant speed in the highest gear possible – this puts less strain on your engine and burns less fuel

18. Avoid harsh braking and accelerating – changes in speed should be gradual

19. Check your oil once month and before long journeys. This helps keep your engine running smoothly

20. Take your foot off the accelerator early and slow to a stop or brake early in a smooth, light fashion. Anticipate stops and avoid braking abruptly

21. Consider car sharing or park and ride schemes – contact your local council for more information

22. Switch off your engine if you’re likely to be at a standstill for a long time. But a word of warning – doing this continually could flatten your battery

23. Switch off the radio, lights and other electrics before switching the engine off

24. Make a fuel management system – write down a list of all the journeys you make in a week, and record how much you pay for fuel each time you fill
up. Try and combine journeys and fill up less often to help cut your costs

25. Only switch your engine on when you're completely ready to drive. Prepare the car first – check mirrors and seatbelts – then start the engine

Video: Save money on fuel

Ex-Top Gear presenter Quentin Wilson shows you how to make your fuel go further:

View our fuel-saving slide show

What do you think of the fuel price rise? Have your say on the Auto Trader Blog