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Smarter Driving

Updated 5 April 2009

We all like to think we are good drivers. But did you know that little changes in the way you drive can reduce the amount of fuel you burn, cut your CO2 emissions and reduce your impact upon the environment? Here are some easy common sense tips we can all follow:

  • Check your revs Next time you change gear, look at your rev counter. If you’re driving efficiently, you should be changing up at between 2,000 and 2,500rpm.
  • How’s your speed? Drivers should never exceed the speed limit. Not only does staying within the speed limit increase your safety it also reduces CO2 emissions and saves money on your petrol costs. At 70mph you could be using up to 9% more fuel than at 60mph and up to 15% more fuel than at 50mph.
  • Switch if off Modern cars use virtually no extra fuel when they’re restarted so if you’re stuck in a traffic jam for more than a minute or two, then turn your engine off. You’ll save money and cut down damage to the environment.
  • Drive off from cold Modern cars are designed to be driven off straight away. Waiting for the engine to ‘warm up’ just wastes fuel, annoys your neighbours, and produces harmful CO2 emissions and air pollution.
  • Check your tyre pressure Not only are under-inflated tyres dangerous, they also increase the amount of fuel you use. Check your tyres regularly – the Highway Code recommends once a week.
  • Travel light Clutter in your boot is extra weight your engine has to lug around. By removing it you can reduce your engine’s workload. This will burn less fuel and cut your CO2 emissions, so unload any items you don’t need for the journey before you set out.
  • Reduce drag Accessories such as roof racks, bike carriers and roof boxes significantly affect your car’s ergodynamics and reduce your fuel efficiency. For example, driving at 70mph with a roof rack will use around 20% more fuel. The effects of rood boxes and bike carriers are even greater. Drive only with the accessories you need for each journey and you’ll save money as well as help prevent climate change.
  • Read the road Anticipate as far ahead as you can to avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
  • Air conditioning Try to reduce your use of air conditioning as it makes a big difference to the amount of fuel you burn. However, at high speeds the air conditioner is better than opening a window as this greatly increases wind resistance and fuel consumption.

Not only does smarter driving keep your fuel costs down, it helps the environment and can also reduce the need for repair and maintenance to your vehicle.

The Golden Rules of Eco-driving

Eco-driving tips from the AA


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