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Petrol and diesel drivers have been told to press one key button when travelling on motorways this spring. Motorists have been urged to close their car windows when travelling on the fastest roads in a bid to save fuel, as costs continue to be a problem.

Damon Jowett, Director of Customer, Roadside & Network Services at Green Flag stressed that open car windows can "increase aerodynamic drag" which can have an impact on fuel use. They told road users to always "keep windows closed" when travelling at speed to save the highest possible amount.

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Damon said: "While open windows can feel refreshing, they increase aerodynamic drag at motorway speeds. Keeping windows closed and air conditioning on helps the car move more efficiently through the air on longer journeys."

Driving with car windows effectively ruins the vehicle's aerodynamics, which increases the amount of wind resistance. This forces the car engine to work harder, and therefore burn more fuel in order to maintain the same speed. Previous studies have found that opening the windows at higher speeds can increase fuel consumption by around 20%.

Meanwhile, switching off the air conditioning system can increase fuel consumption by around 10%, making this the better option on a hit day. Windows are usually controlled by a switch located on the inside of the driver's door handle.

In some vehicles, the window switch can also be located in the centre console or on the car's infotainment system. The warning comes as fuel prices continue to be a cause of concern for families, with costs up across the board.

Analysis from RAC Fuel Watch has shown that petrol costs now sit at 25p per litre higher than the end of February, when disruption in the Middle East first caused prices to soar.

But price rises may not end there, with the RAC warning that unleaded prices were still "likely to rise". Meanwhile, diesel costs have risen by as much as 45.1p per litre since the end of February, although experts say costs "should fall".