Improving your fuel efficiency is one of the most effective ways to reduce the amount you spend on petrol and to cut your car maintenance expenses in the long term. Tips for eco-driving include maintaining a consistent speed as much as possible, which means avoiding stop-start driving and uphill climbs, as well as driving within the speed limit. For every five miles per hour you drive above 55 mph, your fuel efficiency is impaired by an additional 10 per cent.

Cruise control features can also help to retain a steady speed, if your car is fitted with this system, and you should always check a car's fuel efficiency rating when buying a new vehicle, to ensure it will offer long term savings as well as be less environmentally damaging. There are also numerous changes you may be able to make to your current car to improve its fuel economy, such as removing exterior fittings like roof racks that cause extra drag to the vehicle, and carrying lighter loads.

When filling up at the petrol station, you should ensure you always use the correct type and grade of fuel recommended for your engine, which will usually be detailed in your car owner's manual. You should also change your air filter at least every 12,000 miles and check that your tyres are fully inflated, as under-inflated tyres can be one of the greatest problems for fuel efficiency.

Depending on how you use your car and the type of journeys you take, there could also be ways to reduce the amount you spend on fuel by making changes to your driving habits. This might include waking up earlier or setting off earlier when heading to work or taking the kids to school, allowing you to avoid rush hour traffic, or favouring alternative routes to your destination rather than taking more congested main roads. If you drive your children to school and you know other parents in your neighbourhood or local area, you should also consider whether carpooling in turns could be a more economical option for everyone involved.

Many modern families have two cars, but this can be a strain on finances if both vehicles are not used regularly. Depending on your circumstances, it can be worth thinking about whether you really need more than one family car, or looking into options such as multi car insurance to reduce the cost of insuring two or more vehicles.

The author of this article is a part of a digital blogging team who work with brands like Confused.com. The content contained in this article is for information purposes only and should not be used to make any financial decisions.