Smarter Driving
Be a Smarter Driver
Smarter driving techniques can reduce your fuel consumption and CO2 by up to 15% and your annual fuel bill by £220. All you need to get started are the smarter driving tips below that you can put into practice straight away.
Pump up to cut down
Under inflated tyres create more resistance when your car is moving. That means your engine has to work harder, so more fuel is used and more CO2 emissions are produced. Simply check and adjust your tyre pressures regularly and also before long journeys. This will also help to increase the life of your tyres.
Be aware that over inflated tyres can be unsafe, so check your car manual for the correct tyre pressure. Remember, a car with a heavier load may need a different tyre air pressure.
Less clutter in your car means less CO2
Clutter in your boot is extra weight your engine has to carry around. By removing it, you could reduce your engine's workload. This will burn less fuel and cut your CO2 emissions.
Driving at an appropriate speed reduces CO2
Speed limits are the maximum lawful speeds which may be driven in ideal circumstances. Staying at or within the speed limit increases driver safety and it also reduces CO2 emissions and saves money on your petrol costs. At 70mph you could be using 9 per cent more fuel than at 60mph and up to 15 per cent more fuel than at 50mph.
Less stopping and starting means less CO2
Every time you stop then start again in a traffic queue, the engine uses more fuel and therefore produces more CO2. Keep an eye on the traffic ahead and slow down early by gently lifting your foot off the accelerator while keeping the car in gear. The traffic may have started moving again by the time you reach the vehicle in front so you can change up a gear and be on your way.
Over revving accelerates emissions
Modern car engines are designed to be efficient from the moment they are switched on, so revving up only wastes fuel and increases engine wear. Using your gears wisely by changing up a gear a little earlier can also reduce revs. If you drive a diesel car, try changing up a gear when the rev counter reaches 2000rpm. For a petrol car, change up at 2500rpm.
Idling is wasting fuel
When the engine is idling you're wasting fuel and adding to CO2 emissions. If you're likely to be at a standstill for more than three minutes, simply switch off the engine.