As the price of fuel continues to rise, learning to drive economically has never been more important!
22nd May 2011
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The prices at the fuel pumps look set to continue to rise, but you can help to keep your costs down by making a few changes to the way you drive.

 

It is thought that you can save up to a whopping 33% of your weekly fuel bill by following some eco-driving tips. So what are you waiting for?

 

Firstly, it makes sense to always fill up when it's cheapest. Local papers often have information about the cheapest petrol in your area day by day. And while you're at the garage, check your tyre pressure, as under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance and hence use more fuel.

 

Extra weight uses extra fuel, so don't carry anything in the car that you don't need. Also, remove any roof bars you aren't currently using as they create extra wind resistance.

 

Consider the journeys you are making and combine short trips as cold starts are inefficient. Combine the school run, popping to the shop and going to the gym, into one trip rather than three, for example.

 

Don't start the engine until you are ready to leave. Unnecessary idling uses fuel.

 

Drive smoothly, accelerate and decelerate gently and avoid braking when you can.

 

Change gear without causing the engine to labour - it is recommended to change up at around 2500rpm in a petrol car or about 2000rpm in a diesel car.

 

Stick to the speed limit because the faster you go, the more fuel you use. Cruising along at 80mph can use up to 25% more fuel than driving at 70mph! Similarly, when driving at 70mph, you will use up to 9% more fuel than driving at 60mph and 15% more than driving at 50mph.

 

Air conditioning increased fuel consumption. When driving on a hot day around town, turn the air conditioning off and wind down the window. At higher speeds, the effects on efficiency are not so noticeable. 

 

Turn off any additional electrical uses, such as heated windscreens and headlights when they're not needed as they also increase fuel usage.

 

If you expect to be in a queue for over 3 minutes, then you can avoid wasting fuel by turning your engine off.

 

And finally, make sure your car is in sound mechanical order and kept regularly serviced to maintain an efficient engine.

 

 

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