With over 40 million drivers in the UK, many Brits are struggling to pay for their petrol as fuel prices soar during the national cost of living crisis.

From changing your driving habits to removing excess weight, Paul Maynard, Technical Training Manager  at ATS Euromaster has provided five changes you can make right now to get more miles per gallon.

1. Change your driving habits.

The way you drive affects your fuel consumption. The more you accelerate, the more fuel you use. Ideally, stay under 3,000 revs, as a rough rule. Always drive in the highest gear possible without labouring the engine and change the gear much earlier than feels natural. Try not to hit the brakes too rapidly, as this leads to more acceleration, thus using more fuel. 

1. Correct tyre pressure.

Before setting off on a trip, always make sure the tyres are in good condition. Check your car's manual for the correct tyre pressure, as underinflated tyres can increase fuel consumption anywhere between 0.6% and 3%*.. Maintaining the correct tyre pressure will increase the longevity, as well as saving on fuel consumption – which also saves you money.

1. Remove excess weight.

Cars use more fuel the heavier they are. Try removing things such as roof racks, footballs, camping chairs, golf clubs etc. Items on the roof cause drag, so, remove all unused items to improve fuel consumption.

1. Use a start-stop button if your car has one.

Keeping your foot on the clutch when stopping can waste fuel. You can save money by keeping your car in neutral or even switching off your engine when at traffic lights or stuck in traffic. 

1. Stay in gear while slowing down.

If you move into neutral before you've come to a stop, you will be using more fuel. Remaining in gear activates the fuel cut-off switch which prevents your car from feeding fuel into the car while breaking.