People who own cars can expect to have nearly £400 less in their accounts this year on average, according to the latest figures.
The price of petrol and diesel is expected to hit £2,261 this year, which is an increase of £395 since 2022. That's according to Motorpoint, who estimated that last year's petrol costs were around £1,866.
This month, drivers have already reported paying over £8 more when filling up their cars compared to this time last year - with a staggering 21 percent of an increase.
But according to the experts, there are a couple of things you can do to cut fuel costs and make your money go further.
Tim Rodie, driving expert at Motorpoint, recommends taking steps to be more fuel efficient. He said: "No matter the car you drive, there are small changes you can make to your driving habits that can help with fuel economy, allowing you to go further between fill ups".
Motorpoint found that 76% of drivers could be doing more to reduce their fuel consumption. To help avoid overspending on petrol or diesel, Tim recommends doing the following things.
Emptying the boot
"It can be really temping to leave things in your boot to save you making multiple trips to the car, but this won’t be doing your bank balance any favours. Ultimately, the lighter your car is, the less fuel you’ll need to drive it.
"The same goes for bike racks and roof boxes you aren’t using. They might be a pain to remove but increased drag and extra weight means your car must work harder to get you where you need to go."
Reconsidering temperature
"Running the air-conditioning system can really be a drain on your fuel. Unless you absolutely need it, I would suggest trying to do without.
"The same does for driving with the windows down. While it can be nice to get some fresh air in your car, open windows make your car less aerodynamic, meaning your car needs to work harder and will use more fuel.
"Sometimes, you need to be able to warm up or cool down your car to make your trips more comfortable. As a general rule, opening your windows is best when driving around at lower speeds and air-conditioning is more efficient if you’re on the motorway."
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Driving like you’re taking your test
"Over time, we all pick up bad habits, but driving like you did when you took your test can really help with fuel efficiency.
"Sticking to the speed limit, anticipating what is going to happen on the road in front of you and easing into the accelerator are all really easy ways to help you preserve fuel."
Keeping on top of car maintenance
"Keeping on top of your service schedule and regularly checking your tyres aren’t only important for your safety but help make sure that your vehicle is as efficient as possible.
"Normal wear and tear can have a real impact on fuel consumption, so it’s definitely worth checking that your tyres are properly inflated at least once a month and getting your service booked in as soon as it’s due."
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