The holidays tend to be a time of spending, not saving.

But there are ways to save money at the fuel pump this festive season.

Mbulelo Mthi, BP's technical-fuels manager, offers some suggestions:

• Correct tyre pressure - under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and thus fuel consumption.

• Maintain your vehicle - a badly maintained vehicle is unlikely to perform as it was designed to, resulting in increased fuel consumption and higher emissions.
• Reduce the use of air-conditioning - the air-conditioning compressor pump is driven by the engine, causing higher fuel consumption.

• Reduce stop/start driving - the engine has to work hard when accelerating and every time the brakes are used energy is lost as heat. Simply lifting off the accelerator earlier, and gently slowing down, will improve fuel economy.