Running a fuel efficient car isn't just about the manufacturer's fuel consumption figures. There are many simple things that you can do to run your car as efficiently as possible. Here are ten tips:

1. Make sure that your car is serviced regularly; it's the best way to make sure that it's running efficiently.

2. Check the oil each week: make sure that it's topped up with oil to the manufacturer's specification. For example, VW's TDI PD engines need a high-spec oil.

3. Make sure that the tyres are inflated to the right pressure: under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance and therefore increase fuel consumption. Heavy loads often require higher tyre pressures, so check with handbook for the correct pressures.

4. Plan your route on a long journey and use a computer route planner or sat nav so that you don't get lost and waste fuel.

5. Put your car on a diet: weight is the enemy of good fuel economy. Check the boot (trunk) for anything that doesn't need to be there.

6. Check the roof: roof racks and roof boxes increase drag which can negatively affect fuel economy as the engine has to work harder.

7. Drive smoothly: hard acceleration drinks fuel like it's going out of fashion. Accelerate and brake gently.

8. Drive a car with a manual (stick shift) gearbox and change up at 2500 rpm for a gasoline car and 2000 revs for a diesel. Using a high gear can do wonders for fuel economy.

9. Turn the air con down at low speeds: air con drains a lot of power from the engine. Around town, wind down the window or open the sunroof instead.

10. Drive at lower speeds: typically, most cars are operating at their most efficient at about 50mph.