1. Lighten your load.
The more weight you carry, the harder the engine has to work and the more fuel it uses. It’s a good idea to check your boot and get rid of any unnecessary junk.

2. Keep your tyres fully inflated.
Under-inflated tyres cause resistance so, again, your engine has to work harder. In fact, inflating by 0.1 to 0.3 bar above the recommended level reduces fuel consumption and emissions. Don’t over-inflate any more than this though, as it results in your tyres having less grip. Check your manual for the recommended level. Your Ford Dealer will also be happy to give you a free tyre check.

3. Use air conditioning sparingly.
Your car’s air conditioning system runs off the engine and the extra energy it requires uses up more fuel. So only use it when you need to. Beware of opening a window instead though – the increased wind resistance means your engine could use up even more fuel.

4. Try to drive smoothly in the city.
Studies have shown that darting in and out of traffic, and accelerating hard away during stop-start driving, saves barely any time, uses up more fuel, and wears out some of the car’s components much faster.

5. Take off the roof rack.
If you’re not using it, take off the roof rack or roof box – it causes increased wind resistance, making your engine work harder and use more fuel. If you do need to carry things on the roof, don’t put too much up there as this will reduce your efficiency still further.

6. Avoid over-revving the engine.
Try to keep your engine running at its most efficient level – between 2,000 and 3,000 revs per minute. The optimum point for changing gears is at around 2,500 rpm in a petrol car and 2,000 in a diesel.

7. Keep your car in good condition.
Component parts wear out over time, making your car less efficient. Replace worn parts promptly and clean pipes and filters regularly. The best way of doing so is to visit a Ford Dealer or Authorised Repairer for a scheduled service.

You can even pick up some Nectar points.