Travel - Driving Tips

Eco driving tips

Do you need to drive? It's short journeys of less than two miles that cause the most pollution, as cold engines will produce more emissions than warm ones. Shorter journeys are ideal for walking or cycling.

Plan your route - Take the most direct route and go off peak, use Park and Ride schemes or public transport. If you have a problem with maps buy a Sat Nav!

Check your tyre pressures once a week - Correct tyre pressures will improve fuel economy, tyre wear and keep you in control. Remember, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold.

Regularly service your car - Maintaining your car will help to keep its fuel economy. Catalytic converters work best if your vehicle is properly serviced.

Drive smoothly - Be gentle on the accelerator, especially when the engine is cold, don’t stab on the brakes - ‘think ahead’. Keeping to or below the speed limits will significantly improve your mpg.

It’s a drag - Remove roof racks when not needed. Air conditioning can be more efficient than driving with the window open in summer, as an open window increases drag which lowers fuel economy. Remove unnecessary luggage or heavy accessories, extra weight will itself reduce mpg. Turn off your air conditioning when not needed.  

Buy greener fuel - Low sulphur diesel (City diesel) or cleaner higher-octane petrol gives more miles per tank. Switch off the engine when in traffic.

Passing the garage - Don’t make a special journey just to save a few pence on petrol. Top up when passing the garage, having a constantly full tank of petrol just means you are carrying extra weight which, in itself, will reduce fuel efficiency.