The recession is now in full swing and we're all trying to cut costs - but how can you save money on motoring if you need to drive every day?  For many of us a car is one of life's essentials - but having to pay for necessities such as insurance, regular MOTS and fuel soon adds up.

Here are eight simple saving tips for driving down your regular car costs which should help you save money for other things.

1. Choice of Fuel - Very few vehicles built today require premium fuel. By selecting the cheaper priced, you can save a lot over a year. Furthermore, where you buy your fuel can also have an unexpected impact on how much it costs. Some garages price fuel far more competitively than others, so it pays to know which garages are the cheapest in your area before filling up.

2. Wash it Yourself - No one does a better job of washing and waxing your car than you do!  Avoid those all too frequent trips to the car wash and save some money today.

3. Reward Cards -  If you aren't already using a rewards credit card for your fuel purchases, you should consider it and shop around for the card that is right for you.

4. Review Your Insurance Policy - You may be paying for too much insurance on your car. Before you renew your policy, it's important to shop around and compare quotes from a range of different insurers.

5. Change Your Oil - You do not need to change it every 3000 miles unless you subject your car to severe driving. Check your manufacturer's recommendations and change it according to their specifications.

6. Do the Work Yourself - Some maintenance you can do yourself thereby avoiding having to pay high labour charges and too much for your parts. Shop online through a discount wholesaler and you can save even more money on premium auto parts.

7. Minimise your Mileage -  Think about how many miles you drive in your car each week. If it's possible for you to drive less, doing so will see you save money on fuel straight away. In addition, committing to a lower annual mileage might also reduce the price of your next insurance premium.

8. Improve Fuel Efficiency - Making your car more fuel efficient doesn't have to mean fitting it with expensive, environmentally friendly equipment. In fact, you could ensure the petrol or diesel you put in your car goes a little further by following a few simple steps:

• Turn off your air conditioning when it's not required
• Keep your tyres properly inflated.
• Change your speed gradually, not abruptly.
• Drive in the correct gear.

Stick to these simple saving tips and you'll be surprised how much money you save. It may even help you buy that dream car you've always aspired to!