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Owning a car can be a very expensive ordeal. The costs of insurance, road tax and petrol can all mount up, not to mention repairs, so it's important to try and save money wherever you can.

According to one motoring expert, clearing out your car boot is a quick way to save money, and all drivers are being urged to do it now. Kazimieras Urbonas, supplier excellence manager at Ovoko, says that motorists are literally carrying around the reason their fuel bills are higher than they need to be. And although the issue seems minor, it could cause your petrol costs to skyrocket.

He said: "Too many drivers are unaware that what they're storing in their boot could be costing them money every single day. That bag of sports equipment you've been meaning to take out for weeks, the toolbox that's lived in your car since summer, or the roof rack you haven't used since your last holiday: they're all quietly increasing how much you spend at the pump."

Every additional 50kg of weight in your vehicle increases fuel consumption by approximately 2%. For the average UK driver covering 7,400 miles per year, this seemingly small percentage can translate to dozens of pounds wasted annually.

"Think about what's sitting in your boot right now," said the expert. "A set of golf clubs weighs around 15kg, a toolbox can be 10-20kg, spare tyres are typically 8-10kg each, and that bike you've been meaning to use? That's another 15kg. Before you know it, you're carrying an extra 50kg or more without even realising it."

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It's an even bigger issue for drivers who make frequent short journeys or drive in stop-start traffic conditions, as urban driving already consumes more fuel due to constant acceleration and braking. The additional weight only makes the issue worse.

Taking a moment to empty your car boot doesn't just save you money though. Less strain on the engine can mean reduced wear and tear over time, potentially lowering maintenance costs. And a lighter vehicle puts less stress on tyres, which could extend their lifespan.

For families making longer journeys to visit relatives, the savings become even more noticeable. A 400-mile round trip to see family, which might typically cost £60 in fuel, could cost several pounds less with a lighter, more aerodynamic vehicle.

Kazimieras added: "Taking 20 minutes to clear out your boot and remove unused roof racks is one of the simplest ways to cut fuel costs. Start by removing anything you haven't used in the past month. Keep only genuine essentials like your spare tyre, a basic toolkit, and a high-visibility vest.

"Check your tyre pressures regularly as well. Under-inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%, so this simple check at the petrol station can make a real difference. Combine that with a lighter car, and you're looking at meaningful savings."