The surge in the price of petrol and diesel could mean car tax is next on the list of increased bills as inflation drives up another cost.
Car tax is calculated based on the age of the vehicle and its fuel efficiency.
However, an expert has advised drivers that one simple trick could help to reduce the amount paid each year taxing your car.
How your car is assessed for motor tax depends on the following:
- Cars registered from 1 January 2021 onwards are taxed in line with rates based on the 'Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Testing Procedure (WLTP), which test measures fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
- CO2 emission bands for private cars registered since July 2008, and private cars registered between January and June 2008, which opted for this type of assessment.
- Engine capacity (cc) for private cars registered before July 2008 and private goods vehicles, such as vans.
- Unladen weight for commercial goods vehicles.
Ollie Green, a car maintenance and MOT expert at Collect Service Go, has said drivers could reduce their emissions and lower their tax by changing some of their driving habits.
He recommended that motorists use a cleaning agent to remove any harmful deposits which can build up in the vehicle's engine.
By doing this, motorists can help lower the vehicle's emissions.
Mr Green said a bottle of liquid should be poured into the fuel tank at least a quarter full, and then the car should be driven for around 10 to 15 minutes.
He said this exhaust and fuel cleaner should be used every three months.
"If you have low tyre pressure, it can increase your fuel consumption and CO2 emissions due to your car needing more energy and fuel to move," Mr Green told Express.co.uk.
"With this in mind, it is important to check the pressure of your tyres at least once a month to ensure the level matches the manufacturer's recommended pressure level.
"If you are using your air-con, make sure to turn it off a few miles before reaching your end destination.
"This allows cool air to regulate the temperature in the car, circulate through the system via the fans, and decrease the emission levels.
"Do the small things right. Changing gear earlier, reducing your speed, limiting your rev range, and braking sooner will reduce emission levels while maintaining efficiency.
"Alternatively, not driving at all will cut emission levels down drastically."
Another way to reduce emissions is changing the oil at regular intervals to keep the car running well and prevent moving pistons and cylinders from overheating.
Oil changes should be carried out according to the recommended service intervals in the vehicle's handbook.
Premium fuels can also be used as they contain cleaning agents to help remove dirt from the engine, improving fuel efficiency.
