According to recent research carried out by the group, many are even adopting driving habits which hold no practical bearing on the amount of petrol a car uses, in an effort to combat the effects of annual increases in excess of 20 per cent on the price of fuel. While 90 per cent said they were making an effort to be more fuel-efficient, one in six (15 per cent) were wasting their own energy on spreading the load in the vehicle by making passengers sit in the back seat in the mistaken hope that it would reduce fuel consumption. Furthermore, ten per cent were heading off to the forecourt early in the morning because they held the belief that filling up the tank while it is cold will make fuel last longer.



Saga also noted that around one in twenty motorists (six per cent) had switched off the radio during journeys or had even changed the type of music they listen to in the car in the hope that it would put less of a strain on the engine.

For those who have been struggling to keep up with motoring costs as other pressures on their finances continue, taking out a debt consolidation loan may prove an effective way to reduce monthly outgoings and make paying for essentials such as fuel more manageable.

According to the insurance provider, less drastic measures may also help to alleviate motoring costs - and it seems the over-50s are most conscientious about doing so. While the majority of drivers (54 per cent) of all ages said they switched off air-conditioning, the older age groups were found to be taking fuel efficiency to the next level by making sure they only drove within the stated rev range. A full 50 per cent of over-50s said they did this, 20 per cent higher than any other age group. Furthermore, 93 per cent said they always drove in the highest gear possible to reduce the strain on the engine.

Chief executive of Saga Group Andrew Goodsell advised motorists: "It's quite clear that people are feeling the financial strain every time they fill up their vehicle. By taking on board a few simple tips, they can dramatically cut their fuel bills."

While cutting down on the use of air conditioning was principal among these tips, others included streamlining vehicles by removing roof racks, boxes and bike racks. Furthermore, consumers could find they make a saving at the pump by driving more smoothly, as well as braking in a progressive manner. Making sure that gear changes were made at around half the car's rev limit will also help to make the car more efficient, Saga advised.

For those who are looking to avoid petrol costs and buy a more energy-friendly vehicle, taking out a car loan may prove an easy way to raise the capital. Opting for a greener vehicle may be of particular interest after the Department for Transport warned last year that drivers of petrol vehicles could face a "green tax" within six years.