If you own a big SUV or luxury sedan with a huge V8 you can and will spend over a hundred dollars on a full tank of premium fuel. But hang on a minute, a few simple adjustments and change of habits in your driving style and vehicle maintenance schedule can end up saving you fuel in the long run. Here are a few things you can do to save money.

Update your driving style
Aim to drive smoothly and gently; keeping to all speed limits of course. Why bomb down the highway at 120kph when the speed limit is 100kph. All you are doing is increasing your fuel consumption by 20 percent. Learn to read the road ahead so you don't have to accelerate suddenly or stop sharply. This all takes extra fuel in the long run. Don't rev the engine or keep riding the gas pedal at the stoplights as it all takes extra fuel. Change gears smoothly, accelerate gently and precise braking will help develop a driving style that's smooth and fuel efficient.

Don't warm the car up in the morning
Cruel as its sounds. Yes! Winter morning can be cold, but rather than leaving your vehicle idling in the driveway to warm up and waste precious fuel, wear gloves and warm clothing and get into the car right away. You can easily burn a couple of dollars worth of gas a week while letting the car toast in the morning. If you are waiting for someone, turn the engine off. Idling for more than 10 to 15 seconds burns more fuel than it takes to restart the engine.

Avoid using the AC
Air conditioning systems in a car can increase fuel consumption by as much as 20 percent. In summer use it as less as possible, unless it so uncomfortable in the car you cannot drive without it. Better still use nature's air conditioning and open the window.

Regular Preventive Maintenance
Look after your ride and it will look after you and save you fuel. Check Tire pressures on a monthly basis as improperly inflated tires can rob you of fuel. Every two psi of under-inflation ads up to a one per cent increase in fuel consumption. Fluid levels should be checked every month and filled with correct liquids to the manufacturer's guidelines. Also check you have no unnecessary items of weight in the trunk that will sap fuel.

Keep the aerodynamic properties and efficiency of you vehicle by only installing aftermarket roof racks only when they're needed.

They disrupt the airflow and slow the car down. Factory fitted roof racks tend to be more aerodynamic and may not be designed to be removed.

Plan Driving Schedules
As difficult as it maybe carefully review your family's needs and schedules if one vehicle has to serve many people. Save fuel by planning longer driving routes that encompass work commuting, shopping and picking up family member is in one trip rather than several short ones.