by Claire Edwards

Created on: November 11, 2009

Had a trip to the pumps lately? If so then you'll notice that prices are on the rise again. A small dip over the summer months was a welcome relief but increases in fuel duty have sent fuel over the 1 mark yet again and they're set to rise even further over the winter.

So is ditching our combustion-engined cars and jumping on the electric-car wagon the answer?

It's a bit of an extreme way to deal with the rising cost of fuel and actually an expensive one too. Although there are some electric cars starting to surface on the market, many aren't really equipped to deal with the daily requirements of the traditional car.

Low mileage range and lengthly charging times, and even a lack of charging stations all combines to make the electric car unpractical, despite some recent advances in technology.

So what is the answer?

Well, we reckon its simply a case of driving more economically. The average diesel family hatchback will manage around 50mpg and some even more and a similarly equipped petrol version will offer around 40mpg if driven conservatively. If you're motor has a trip computer why not have a look and see what you're car is doing at the moment and then find out what it should be achieving. Big differences in figures can be purely related to the way we drive.

Driving economically can save hundred of pounds a year on running costs as well as maintenance as it puts less strain on the vehicle. Things like pulling away slower, and being much smoother with your inputs can make a huge difference. Harsh accelerating and breaking can reduce average fuel consumption by up to 40 percent. Instead of sitting right on the tailgate of the guy in front on the motorway and having to break every time he does, why not leave a gap so that you don't need to break as often? How about looking round a roundabout as early as possible before you arrive at it, so that you don't need to stop and can pull out smoothly into a space?

If you drive a company car, why not ask your boss if your company can take part in one of the many eco-driving schemes around the UK? Drivers can take part in courses that teach the techniques needed to get the best economy from your car.

In reality though, although these courses are useful, the most important tool of all is a lighter right foot, a calm and relaxed driving demeanour and a bit of common sense. That's the best way to fight the rising cost of fuel.

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