Smarter driving

By implementing the following simple tips and making some changes to the way you drive you could improve your driving economy and also save money.

• Check your revs – when you change up a gear, check your rev counter. Change up between 2000rpm and 2500rpm.
• Drive at an efficient speed – the most efficient speed is around 45-50 mph although it does depend on your car. Faster speeds greatly increase your fuel consumption.
• Read the road – pay attention to the road ahead to avoid continuous acceleration and braking.
• Take your foot off the accelerator – by remaining in gear but taking your foot off the accelerator as early as possible when approaching lights, roundabouts or junctions, you will reduce the fuel flow to the engine.
• Drive your car from cold – modern cars are designed to be driven straight from cold. The engine doesn’t need warming up – this just wastes fuel.
• Check your tyre pressure – by checking your tyre pressure once a week you won’t consume unnecessary fuel.
• Only use air conditioning when needed – air conditioning makes a big difference to the amount of fuel you use. However, if you are travelling at high speeds it is more cost effective to use air conditioning than to open a window as opening a window increases wind resistance and therefore fuel consumption.
• Plan your journey – if you plan your journey to avoid congestion and roadworks you won’t waste fuel. Also, if you know where you’re going in advance you reduce the risk of getting lost which would also add to fuel consumption.
• Switch off your engine – if you drive a modern car and are waiting in a traffic jam for more than a couple of minutes then switch off your engine. Modern cars use virtually no extra fuel when they are re-started.
• Reduce drag by only driving with the accessories you need – accessories such as roof racks and bike carriers reduce your car’s fuel efficiency.