Driving Tips

Most of these are just common sense, but make them habits and they'll save you money and be kinder to the environment.

• Service your car - tuning, tyre pressure, and regular servicing all make it more efficient.
• Extra weight increases fuel use. Do you really need everything that's lurking in the boot?
• Air conditioning increases fuel consumption, so only use it when you need it.
• Drive smoothly - excessive braking and accelerating takes more energy and wears out your car faster.
• Don't keep your engine running while stationary for any time - if it's safe to do so, switch it off.
• Drive more slowly - higher speeds significantly increase fuel consumption.
• Higher gears are more efficient, so move up through the gears as soon as you can.
• Combine journeys - do several chores at once, or give someone a lift.