Eco-driving tips

How well you drive and look after your car, whatever model it is, has a big effect on its efficiency. Start today and you can reduce emissions, save fuel and money.

1. Pump tyres to the correct pressure 

Driving with flat tyres can mean you use up to 8% more fuel.

2. Close your windows

Driving with open windows can mean you use 5% more fuel.

3. Turn off your air conditioning/heating 

This can reduces fuel consumption by 5–10%. Try a blanket to keep warm in the winter instead, and open air vents to cool down in the summer.

4. Empty your boot

Excess weight or drag costs you fuel. Get rid of the roof rack if you're not using it; take the golf clubs out of the boot.

5. Switch off

If you are stationary with the engine on you are doing zero miles per gallon. Switch it off if you are stopped for more than a couple of minutes.

6. Service your car often

Regular servicing should pay for itself in saved fuel.

7. Drive smoothly

...and use higher gears as much as possible.

8. Choose to cruise

Pick uncongested routes if possible; cars are more efficient at higher cruising speeds.

9. Slow down on the motorway

The fuel needed to overcome drag (resistance from the surrounding air) increases with the driving speed.

10. Combine or share trips

Save time, effort and money by using the car to run several errands at a time. Or, better still, share lifts with friends and neighbours. You can find people who are interested in doing this on the Liftshare website.

Next time you buy a car, consider the newest model you can afford, and whether you can go down a size: less weight means less fuel and fewer CO2 emissions.

New developments in fuels, engines, aerodynamics and ultra-lighting all have the potential to make cars much more efficient…and they’ll be here all the quicker if we demand them.

Hero image photo credit: Steven Snodgrass