Unless you are driving a fully electric or hybrid vehicle, fuel (whether diesel or petrol) is one of the most expensive elements of running your vehicle and an unavoidable expense.

However, by changing some of your driving habits this unavoidable expense can be managed and you'll soon seen your tank of fuel take you further.

Here are OVL's top tips:

1. Maintain your car well as this can have an impact on your fuel efficiency.  For example, regular servicing, using the right spec of engine oil and ensuring your tyre pressures are at the correct level will all make a difference. Did you know that it's recommended you check your tyre pressure once a month. How often do you check yours? 
2. Don't overload your car with 'stuff'! Make sure your boot is empty of all but the essentials because extra weight means extra fuel.
3. During the winter, leaving your car engine running for 15 minutes each morning whilst the windscreen defrosts will waste fuel (and risks your car being stolen if you leave it unattended.) Scrape rather than idle!
4. Don't go 'around the houses.' Plan your journey, use a sat nav, especially to avoid traffic. If you get lost and drive an extra 20 miles you'll be wasting fuel! 
5. Make an effort to drive smoothly. Stick to the speed limits, acclearate slowly but surely and don't 'slam on' the brakes. Easy does it! 
6. Think before you warm up or cool down. Do you really need the air con or heat blasting? Excessive use will decrease fuel efficiency. If the car is a bit stuffy, open a window, especially if you’re driving slowly around town and if it's cold, of course use the heaters but don't have them on full blast for your whole journey.
7. New cars generally have loads of gadgets to play with, but ask yourself, do you really need to heat your front or rear windscreens? Do you need your seat warmers on for the whole journey? Be economical with your toys!
8. Stick to the limit! Did you know that driving at 80mph on the motorway will use up to 25% more fuel than driving at 70mph!
9. DON’T risk your safety for fuel consumption! It used to be common to roll down hill out of gear – thought to be fuel saving! Well, it might be but it also puts you wildly out of control of your car.
10. DON’T switch off unless you are likely to be stationery for around 3 minutes or more. Your new lease car may have 'stop/start' technology but this clever bit of kit is finely tuned (you may have noticed it doesn't kick in if your car is cold.) Turning your car off manually to save fuel might just see you stranded on a busy junction.

Safe (and efficient) motoring!!