Eco Future Life

There are many ways drivers can be more energy efficient, saving fuel and saving the planet into the bargain.

Here are our top ten tips for greener motoring;

1. Always drive smoothly drive smoothly. Smooth driving is the single most important factor in fuel efficient driving – and it’s safer. The better the driver is, the more s/he is able to anticipate road conditions and guide the car safely though situations whilst avoiding high revs and sharp braking; the two worst culprits working against energy efficient motoring.

2. Always drive off immediately even if the car is cold. This may go against your Dad’s advice from the old days, but modern cars are designed to work straight off the mark – so waiting for your car to warm up is pointless and wastes fuel.

3. Keep your revs down at all times. Change gear before 2,500rpm if your car is petrol driven, and 2,000rpm if it’s a diesel.

4. Drive more slowly. This needs no explanation – and it’s safer.

5. Step off the gas early. When slowing or driving downhill, stay in gear but take your foot off the accelerator earlier than you’re used to as this cuts the fuel flow to a negligible amount. If you have a hybrid car, let the electric power play its part in motoring uphill by keeping your revs to a minimum.

6. Traffic jams are here to stay – so if you’re in one, turn off the engine. Most modern cars use hardly any extra fuel when they are re-started without pressing the accelerator.

7. Keep your eye on your tyre pressure at all times. Under-inflated tyres can adversely affect fuel consumption to a remarkable degree.

8. Plan your journeys well – and the time you take them. Picking the best route and quietest times to drive has a huge effect on the amount of traffic you’ll encounter and, therefore, fuel consumption. And if you have children, you’ll minimise the “are we nearly there yet?” barrage of questions from the back seats of family cars!

9. Try not to take the car for short journeys. Cars are more fuel –efficient on longer journeys as engines have a chance to warm up and work to their optimum levels.

10. Keep your car as streamlined as possible by avoiding items which cause drag such as roof racks, bike carriers and the like.