Eco Driving

Eco driving, green driving or smart driving is about driving in a more efficient way. Eco
driving helps lower our impact on the environment by making small changes to the way we drive.

These changes help lower CO2, save you money and make you a better driver.

Top Eco Driving Tips

• Change gear before the revs get to 2,500rpm (petrol) or 2,000rpm (diesel). This will reduce fuel
  consumption by up to 15%.
• Drive smoothly, don’t brake or speed up too quickly and think about what is happening on the
  road ahead. This saves fuel and reduces accident rates. Pulling away too fast uses up 60% more
  fuel.

Air conditioning uses 10-14% more fuel than normal so only use when you really need it.

• The most efficient speed for a car is about 45 - 50mph, so stick to speed limits and make your
  fuel go further. Driving at 70 mph uses 30% more fuel than driving at 50 mph. Driving at 70 mph
  along a motorway instead of 80 mph can save about 40%.
• Don’t wait for your engine to warm up as idling wastes fuel and causes engine wear.
• Take off roof racks/boxes and bike carriers when you’re not using them as this badly affects
  fuel use. For the same reason, don’t have windows open at speeds over 40 mph.
• Avoid short journeys as cold engines use almost twice as much fuel as warm one. Also catalytic
  converters can take five miles to become effective.
• Plan your journeys to avoid congestion, road works and getting lost.
• Under-inflated tyres are a danger and increase fuel use by 3%.
• If you're stuck in a jam, switch the engine off if you expect to be there for more than a minute
  or two. Cutting the engine will save fuel and reduce emissions.
• New cars need to show a ‘fuel label’, which gives an energy efficiency rating and average
  running costs over a year. Check your car’s green credentials.
• Emptying the boot of luggage and other items will make your car lighter and more efficient.

Source: Energy Saving Trust, EUROPIA and Institute of Advanced Motorists.

 

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