Fuel efficient driving

8 top tips - to save you money whilst driving

The way you drive your vehicle affects not only how much fuel you use, but also the amount of harmful emissions it produces.

Follow these top tips to save you money and reduce emissions:

1) Pump up your tyres

Under inflated tyres create more resistance when your car is moving. This means your engine has to work harder, so more fuel is used and more CO2 emissions are produced.

2) Remove unnecessary weight

Remove unnecessary items that you carry around in your vehicle. Weight increases your engine's workload and so increases the amount of fuel you use.

3) Reduce drag

Anything that interrupts the smooth flow of air past your vehicle will increase the amount of fuel you use. Typical culprits are roof racks, luggage carriers, roof boxes, towing a caravan or trailer and body kits. Only carry these things if and when you need to.

4) Drive smoothly

Check the road ahead, anticipate traffic and avoid harsh acceleration and breaking - this can reduce fuel consumption by up to 8%.

5) Control your speed

Generally, fuel consumption is at its worst during low and high speeds. Travelling at less than 15mph or over 60mph creates the most carbon dioxide.

6) Use a higher gear as soon as possible

Keep an eye on your rev counter; you should be changing up at no more than 2500 rpm for petrol cars and 2000 rpm for diesel cars. Driving in the highest gear possible without labouring the engine is a fuel efficient way of driving.

7) Stop and switch off

Switching off your engine for short periods of time can increase fuel consumption, as it requires more fuel to get the engine started again. However if you are going to be stationary for more than three minutes, switch your engine off.