Want to know how to save fuel when driving? Here’s a few ideas.
Keep your tyres pumped up
Too much or too little air in your tyres makes you use more fuel. Get the right tyre pressure from your vehicle handbook and stick to it.
Turn your engine off
Don’t keep things ticking over if you’re not moving. Switch on your engine as you’re about to drive away and switch it off when you get there.
Drive smoothly
Harsh braking and accelerating guzzles up the fuel, so take it easy.
Use your gears
Change up early and drive in the highest gear possible without straining the engine. And, if you can, change gear in blocks - such as straight from second to fourth.
Keep the weight down
Don’t carry bags you don’t need and take that roof rack off when you’re not using it.
Switch off your air con
It makes your engine work harder, so be careful when you use it.
Slow down at speed bumps
Speeding over them takes energy. A steady 15 to 20mph is fine.
Slow down
The slower you drive, the less fuel you use.
Accelerate slowly
Speed up steadily and watch the rev counter to make sure you’re not overdoing it.
Know where you’re going
Wrong turns mean more miles, so know your route and get a satnav.
Close your windows at high speeds
Open windows let in air that can slow your car down – just like a parachute. So keep them closed to eliminate the drag.
Choose a fuel-efficient car
Smaller cars tend to need less fuel, but even then they can vary a lot. Newer vehicles often have Fuel Economy labels rated from A to M, so get as close as you can to an A rating to save fuel and pay less road tax.