Driving economically will not only help you save money by reducing your fuel consumption but will also help you reduce your vehicle's greenhouse gas emissions and the negative impact your vehicle has on the environment.
Fuel cost is a major factor in any car driver's expenditure so making sure your car is performing at maximum efficiency will help you save money on fuel bills.
Here are are top eco driving tips.
- Roof racks, bike carriers and roof boxes will affect your car's aerodynamics and reduce fuel efficiency. If you have to use them make sure you remove them when not in use. Driving with the windows or sunroof open will also decrease your car's aerodynamics.
- Change into the highest appropriate gear as soon as you can. Revving the engine in low gear consumes large amounts of fuel. For maximum efficiency you should shift up a gear when the engine is revving between 2000 and 2500 revs.
- Maintain a steady speed using the highest gear possible. The most efficient speed is typically around 45 - 50mph. Driving faster than this will greatly increase your fuel consumption. The Department of Transport claim driving at 70 mph uses up to 9% more fuel than at 60 mph and up to 15% more than at 50 mph.
- If you anticipate being stuck in a queue of traffic for more than a minute or so then cutting the engine will save petrol and reduce emissions.
- Avoid short journeys, car engines use more fuel when cold and catalytic converters take around six miles before they become effective.
- Check your tyre pressure regularly. Under-inflated tyres are dangerous and can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%.
- Don't turn on the engine and leave it idling in order to warm up your car. This wastes fuel and causes engine wear.
- Turning on the air condition for long periods of time will significantly increase fuel consumption.
- Plan your journeys so that you avoid congestion, road works and getting lost.
- Have your car serviced according to the manufacturers schedule. This will help maintain engine efficiency and cut fuel consumption.
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