SAVE MONEY WITH ECO-DRIVING We all like to think we are good drivers, but did you know that just a few adjustments to the way you drive could reduce your annual fuel costs by as much as 10%?
It is called ECO-DRIVING and the Energy Saving Trust has calculated that driving this way could save you an average of £120 a year in fuel. With fuel prices rising all the time, ECO-DRIVING could save you even more in the future.
The TOP TEN tips for ECO-DRIVING are:
1. CHECK YOUR REVS - change up before 2500rpm (petrol engine) and 2000 rpm. (diesel engine)
2. ANTICIPATE ROAD CONDITIONS - drive smoothly, avoiding sharp acceleration and heavy braking - This saves fuel and reduces the likelihood of an accident.
3. USE AIR-CONDITIONING SPARINGLY - as it significantly increases fuel consumption.
4. DRIVE EFFICIENTLY - the most efficient speed varies from car to car. However, between 50 and 60mph is considered the most fuel-efficient speed for the majority of vehicles. Faster speeds will greatly increase your fuel consumption.
5. DRIVE AWAY IMMEDIATELY - when starting from cold. Idling to heat the engine wastes fuel and causes rapid engine wear.
6. REMOVE ROOF RACKS - bike carriers and roof boxes when not in use as they can significantly affect your car's aerodynamics and reduce fuel efficiency.
7. AVOID SHORT JOURNEYS - a cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel and a catalytic converter can take 5 miles to become effective.
8. PLAN YOUR JOURNEY - to avoid congestion, road works and getting lost.
9. CHECK TYRE PRESSURES REGULARLY - under-inflated tyres are dangerous and can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%.
10. SWITCH THE ENGINE OFF - if you are stuck in a jam and expect to be there for a minute or two. Cutting the engine will save fuel and reduce emissions.