Can you afford to top-up your petrol?

If you're waiting for petrol prices to get back to "normal," you'll be waiting a long time, experts say. The recent drop in crude prices hasn't even made its way completely to the petrol station yet. All you can change is how much you spend. How?

For starters, it's time to dump the petrol guzzling higher capacity monster that you've been driving and opt for the most fuel-efficient car you can tolerate. You'll most probably save enough to justify that new set of wheels.

Meanwhile, follow these tips to boost your MPG (good mileage = maximum distance minimum fuel):
1. Use air conditioning. It's counterintuitive, but the drag created by open windows (at highway speeds) costs you more fuel than you'll save by turning off the AC.
2. Leave a big buffer between you and the car ahead. Rather than braking every time he slows, you can just ease off the pedal.
3. You already know this, but since you aren't following the advice, stay below the speed limit and avoid sudden spurts.
4. Inflate your tires properly.
5. Lighten your load. Don't store unnecessary weight in the car just because the stuff that creates it is convenient.