With motorists nationwide grappling with soaring fuel costsand voicing worries about supplies online, countless drivers are seeking straightforward, dependable methods to stretch every litre that bit further. Petrol costs are presently climbing sharply amid intensifying tensions across the Middle East. As of today (March 9), typical UK prices have experienced a substantial surge since the tail end of February.

To assist drivers in keeping motoring expenses down, Keith Hawes, Director of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, offers six practical fuel-efficiency strategies aimed at maximising performance, easing wear on your motor, and helping your fuel allowance stretch considerably further. His suggestions are outlined below – including inspecting one particular part of your car or vehicle.

1. Adopt smooth driving habits and ease off the accelerator

Aggressive acceleration and harsh braking guzzle petrol far more rapidly than most people appreciate. The quicker you travel, the more fuel you consume, whilst sudden braking merely squanders energy you've already expended accelerating.

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Strive for calm, measured driving by building speed progressively, holding a constant pace, and reading the road ahead so you can decelerate naturally instead of jamming on the brakes.

2. Steer clear of rush hour journeys

Departing earlier can dramatically impact your fuel usage, particularly on extended trips. Congested roads mean constant stopping, starting, and sitting stationary, all of which consume considerably more petrol than smooth, continuous driving.

Where feasible, aim to travel outside peak times. Trips undertaken before 11am or after 7pm generally sidestep the worst weekend traffic snarl-ups.

Electric vehicle owners should also account for charging breaks when mapping out their route and scheduling their journey more effectively.

3. Keep your windows shut

Whilst it might appear more economical to wind down your windows rather than switching on the air conditioning, at higher speeds the reverse holds true. Open windows create aerodynamic drag, compelling the engine to labour harder and guzzle more petrol.

For motorway or dual-carriageway travel, keeping your windows up proves the more efficient choice - plus it maintains a quieter, more pleasant cabin environment.

4. Monitor your tyre pressure regularly

Under-inflated tyres generate extra rolling resistance, meaning your engine must strain harder and consume more fuel. Even a slight dip beneath the recommended PSI can make a tangible difference.

Inspect your tyre pressure at least monthly and inflate to the manufacturer's specified levels (typically displayed on the door pillar or within the vehicle handbook).

5. Clear out your car to shed unnecessary weight

A lighter vehicle equals better fuel economy. Remove any items you don't require, especially weighty or cumbersome kit that's surplus to your journey's needs.

Extra weight increases strain on your engine and diminishes fuel efficiency.

Maintaining a clutter-free boot enhances performance and delivers savings in the long run.

6. Utilise start-stop technology

If your motor comes with start-stop technology, let it do its job during lengthy waits, like sitting at red lights.

Leaving the engine running pointlessly guzzles petrol and pumps out more emissions.

For cars lacking this feature, shifting into neutral or switching off the engine when it's safe to do so can help cut down on wasted fuel.

Hawes adds: "As pressure on UK fuel supplies grows and prices fluctuate, driving efficiently has never been more important.

"Small tweaks to your driving habits, car maintenance, and journey planning can significantly improve fuel economy, helping your fuel (and your budget) go further."