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Drive more efficiently…

After this summer's petrol and diesel prices nearly hitting the £6 per gallon mark, it’s time to start driving economically! With eco-driving could save you up to £160 a year.

Once you have got used to driving a little differently you will start doing your bit for the environment by producing less carbon dioxide (CO2), and also the savings will really start to kick in.

Follow these steps now …

1. Look ahead, drive smoothly, avoid sharp acceleration and heavy braking. Fuel will be saved and also you will have less chance of an accident.

2. Check your revs - change up before 2,500rpm (petrol) and 2,000rpm (diesel).

3. Avoid using your car’s air conditioning system and try to keep the windows closed. This will help reduce consumption.

4. Around 45 - 50mph is the most efficient speed depends upon the car in question. Travelling faster will greatly increase your fuel consumption.

5. Never idle your engine when you first start it as this wastes fuel and causes rapid engine wear. Always drive away immediately when starting from cold.

6. Avoid short journeys - a cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel and catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective. Walk or cycle these shorter distances instead.

7. Always remember to remove accessories such as roof racks, bike carriers, and roof boxes as these affect your car's aerodynamics and reduce fuel efficiency.

8. Check your tyre pressure regularly. Under-inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%.

9. Plan your journeys to avoid congestion, road works and getting lost. Travel off-peak whenever you can. Not only are you likely to get to where you’re going in less time, you’ll also save on fuel and cut your emissions.

10. Turn your car’s engine off if you’re likely to be parked or stationary for more than a minute. If you’re not moving anywhere, you’re just wasting fuel and creating emissions by keeping your car ticking over.

11. Cut your carbon emissions by opting for a hybrid engine. Or consider the future prospect of an electric or bio-fuel car.

12. Reduce the number of regular car journeys you make by joining a lift/car-sharing pool. Sharing work commutes and other regular journeys saves money and cuts emissions for all concerned. Visit carshare.com for various schemes.


		Home > Energy Advice > What Can I Do Now > Driving More Effeciently Drive more efficiently… After this summer's petrol and diesel prices nearly hitting the £6 per gallon mark, it’s time to start driving economically! With eco-driving could save you up to £160 a year. Once you have got used to driving a little differently you will start doing your bit for the environment by producing less carbon dioxide (CO2), and also the savings will really start to kick in. Follow these steps now … 1. Look ahead, drive smoothly, avoid sharp acceleration and heavy braking. Fuel will be saved and also you will have less chance of an accident. 2. Check your revs - change up before 2,500rpm (petrol) and 2,000rpm (diesel). 3. Avoid using your car’s air conditioning system and try to keep the windows closed. This will help reduce consumption. 4. Around 45 - 50mph is the most efficient speed depends upon the car in question. Travelling faster will greatly increase your fuel consumption. 5. Never idle your engine when you first start it as this wastes fuel and causes rapid engine wear. Always drive away immediately when starting from cold. 6. Avoid short journeys - a cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel and catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective. Walk or cycle these shorter distances instead. 7. Always remember to remove accessories such as roof racks, bike carriers, and roof boxes as these affect your car's aerodynamics and reduce fuel efficiency. 8. Check your tyre pressure regularly. Under-inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%. 9. Plan your journeys to avoid congestion, road works and getting lost. Travel off-peak whenever you can. Not only are you likely to get to where you’re going in less time, you’ll also save on fuel and cut your emissions. 10. Turn your car’s engine off if you’re likely to be parked or stationary for more than a minute. If you’re not moving anywhere, you’re just wasting fuel and creating emissions by keeping your car ticking over. 11. Cut your carbon emissions by opting for a hybrid engine. Or consider the future prospect of an electric or bio-fuel car. 12. Reduce the number of regular car journeys you make by joining a lift/car-sharing pool. Sharing work commutes and other regular journeys saves money and cuts emissions for all concerned. Visit carshare.com for various schemes.
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