How to eco drive

In this day and age where the cost of petrol is high and environmental pollution is an ever increasing issue, eco driving is something of a must. Modern vehicles are much more fuel efficient and are easier to drive, making eco driving a simple task to manage.



Running costs of a car can be very high. There are a few simple things you can do to save wear and tear and fuel consumption on your car. By reducing the amount of work your engine has to do, will not only save fuel, but also reduce the amount of CO2 produced. By following a few simple tips, you can reduce CO2 emissions by around 8% and over a year, can save potentially hundreds of pounds in fuel..

Check your tyres

Under inflated tyres create more resistance when your car is moving, meaning your engine has to work harder. More fuel is consumed and more CO2 emissions are produced. By checking your tyre pressure regularly will not only save fuel but will also increase the life of your tyres. It is recommended that you check your tyre pressure at least once every week to ensure optimal tyre and engine performance. Check your car manual for information on your tyre pressure.

Use a high gear

Using a high gear reduces engine revs. This in turn uses less fuel. For instance, driving round town at 30mph, try using 4th gear instead of 3rd gear. Certain cars may not be happy with this but most modern cars should be fine. Over a period of time this will save on fuel. Optimal efficiency for petrol engines is to change gear at around 2500 RPM. This can be checked on your rev counter. A diesel engine will reach its optimal engine speed at around 2000 RPM.

Keep a steady speed and distance

You may well have seen other drivers driving far too close to the vehicle in front. By driving close to the vehicle in front means constant breaking and accelerating. Continuous braking wears brake pads and discs and increases tyre wear. Continuous accelerating increases fuel consumption. Further disadvantages of driving too close to the vehicle in front include an increase of stone chips to the bonnet and wind screen. Driving too close has absolutely not benefit and will decrease your stopping distance significantly. Many accidents occur due to this type of driving mentality.

Unnecessary baggage

Driving around with unnecessary clutter in your car is extra weight your engine has to carry around. Removing it will reduce your engines workload. By removing it you will save on fuel and produce less CO2 emissions.

Driving carefully

Driving too fast burns more fuel. keeping to the speed limit can save you up to 25% on fuel. At 70 mph you can use up to 9% more fuel than driving at 60mph.

Heavy braking

Stopping and starting in traffic uses more fuel. Look well ahead and asses the traffic. Slow down by lifting off the accelerator early while keeping the car in gear. By the time you meet the car in front it may have started moving again saving you wear and tear on your brakes and reducing fuel consumption.

Over revving

Keeping your car in the same gear for too long whilst accelerating will increase fuel consumption. Use your gears wisely. If driving a diesel car, try changing up a gear when the rev counter reaches 2000rpm. If driving a petrol car change up a gear at around 2500rpm.

Air conditioning

Using air con can consume up to 10% more fuel. Whilst driving around town, turn the air con off and open the windows. Whilst driving at speed however, open windows causes significant drag, so closed windows and using air con is more cost effective.

Turn off the electrics

Any electrics you have on whilst driving increases fuel consumption. Turn off the head lights, side lights, demister, heater, rear heated windscreen when you don’t need them.