While fuel prices have dropped slightly from their all-time peak, the cost-of-living crisis and 14-year high for inflation mean drivers remain under pressure to save money.

By parking facing the morning sun, drivers can spend less time running the car to warm or demist it

Fuel-saving tips may be nothing new in themselves but used car buying service ChooseMyCar.com has trawled the internet to bring the ultimate list of off-the-wall ideas, particularly relevant for the coming colder weather.

Park facing the morning sun

You might have to buy a compass – but this simple fuel-saving hack will save you money. During winter months, if you’ve parked facing the morning sun, you’ll spend less time running the car to warm it up or to demist your windscreen.

Bowl of water on the passenger seat 

Keeping an open bowl of water on your passenger seat is a great deterrent for unnecessary acceleration and braking. It sounds a bit strange, but it is a simple and brilliant reminder to drive gently. If you hit the accelerator too hard, you’ll see water pour out the sides. Likewise, if you’re driving too fast and braking hard, you’ll notice water on the seat. The best bowls to use for this are small cereal bowls, with water about an inch from the top.

Reverse-park to face front

Did you know that by reversing into a parking space (or ensuring you are facing forward when you park) you will save fuel? Your car uses less fuel with a warm engine, so reverse parking when you arrive saves fuel, compared to reversing out with a cold engine when you leave.

Use your garage as an actual garage

By keeping your car warm in a garage, you will keep it at a better temperature for fuel economy. This will reduce your fuel consumption by using less air conditioning to heat or cool your car.

Empty your car out

Excess weight in your car can be a real fuel burner. It’s good practice to empty your car out daily – especially if you have particularly heavy items in there. So, make sure you don’t drive to work on Monday morning with your golf clubs still in the boot!

Think of alternatives

Consider biking or walking to your destination. Not only will you save money on fuel, you can probably cancel your gym membership too. As a quick example, if your journey to work is five miles, you would save £416 per year – and boost your steps by 10,000 a day!

Founder of Choosemycar.com Nick Zapolski said that while some of these tips may seem a little extreme, they really do work.

“In these difficult times where the cost of living continues to spiral, it can’t hurt to try anything to keep your fuel costs down. Many of these tips are around temperature regulation, and although they may sound unusual, they really can make a difference.

“It’s worth a try – every little bit helps!”

For more unusual ways to save fuel, check out the article at https://choosemycar.com/resources/news/save-your-fuel.