GETTING rid of unused roof racks and clearing unnecessary items out of the boot could save motorists pounds by reducing their car's fuel consumption, the AA claims.

With oil prices hitting a new high and fuel prices on the up again, the AA advises drivers that by taking a number of easy steps they can reduce their fuel bills.

Roof racks, luggage boxes, golf clubs and other possessions left in the boot all increase the car's weight and therefore fuel consumption.

Tim Shallcross, head of technical policy for AA Road Services, said: "With the average price of unleaded petrol now nudging past 83p a litre, motorists should do what they can to save themselves extra cash by making some small adjustments to the way they drive.

"Tyres should be inflated as directed by the car manual. Under-inflated tyres increase the rolling resistance and the amount of fuel used, which can cost as much as a couple of miles to the gallon.

"Using the air conditioning constantly at 30mph adds as much as 11p every 10 miles to the running costs of a car. At 70mph, using the air con adds seven pence every 10 miles."

Another money-saving tip for drivers is to regularly clean the insides of the car windows, which reduces the need to use the car's demisters and blowers, saving energy and fuel.

Motorists should also consider keeping windows and sunroofs closed, which reduces drag and therefore fuel consumption.

By planning routes in advance and checking traffic reports, time and money can be saved by avoiding road hold-ups.

A medium-size family car sitting in traffic uses petrol at a rate of 2.7 pence every minute. Drivers who think they are going to be stationary for more than four minutes should turn off the engine and stop burning cash.