WITH huge rises in petrol and insurance prices, the average cost of running a (new) car has risen to £5,500 a year, according to the AA. But many people can slash £1,000s off cars, bikes and vans.

Here are my top 10 tips:

1. Don’t assume third-party insurance is cheapest. While it is the lowest level of cover, it isn't always cheapest. Always get a comprehensive quote. Go to moneysavingexpert.com/carinsurance

2. Haggle down breakdown. If your renewal quote is too costly, ask them if they can cut it or you’ll consider leaving. Or, sign up via specialist cashback websites such as Topcashback.co.uk or Quidco.com.

3. Council-run MOT centres are set up to do their own vehicles, but must also open to the public.

As they don’t offer repairs, they’ve no vested interest in failing you. For a full list of council MOT centres, see moneysavingexpert.com/mots.

4. Many forecourts sell ‘high performance’ fuels, yet unless you’ve a sports car, there’s little difference.

5. Get £100s back on petrol and diesel spend. Santander.co.uk 123 credit card pays three per cent cashback on fuel spends up to £300 per month, plus two per cent back at department stores and one per cent in supermarkets.

Only do this if you set up a direct debit to repay in full each month, or you’ll be hit by 18.9 per cent representative APR. There’s a £24 annual fee.

6. If you live in a city, near an airport or footie stadium, renting out a parking space can make you up to £200 a month; check out sites such as parkatmyhouse.com and parklet.co.uk

7. If you get an official Penalty Charge Notice from a council, and you think it’s unfair, don’t despair. Most people who fight it win. If you parked on private land, and you think they’re unfair, don’t pay up. Gather evidence, write disputing it. Visit moneysavingexpert.com/parking

8. Photocard driving licences started in 1998; the photo needs renewing every 10 years. Those driving on expired cards risk a £1,000 fine – the update costs £20.

9. Check your light bulbs pre- MOT, 35 per cent of MOTs fail first time.

10. Less pedal to the metal saves 30 per cent on fuel. Think of the accelerator as a money pump: the harder you press, the higher your fuel spend.

TV money guru Martin Lewis runs the consumer revenge website MoneySavingExpert.com
Ensure you get his weekly e-mail so you’re constantly saving money.