Eco Driving Saving Money Part 2

As the name suggests, it means driving your car more efficiently, so producing less carbon dioxide (CO2) - the main gas contributing to climate change. A lot of the ideas are common sense if we stop to consider them:

• Anticipate road conditions and drive smoothly, avoiding sharp acceleration and heavy braking - this saves fuel and reduces accident rates.
• Use air conditioning sparingly as it significantly increases fuel consumption.
• Change up your gears before 2,500 rpm (petrol) and 2,000 rpm (diesel).
• The most efficient speed depends upon the car in question but is typically around 55 to 65 mph; faster speed greatly increase your fuel consumption.
• Drive away immediately when starting from cold - idling to heat the engine wastes fuel and causes rapid engine wear.
• Accessories such as roof racks, bike carriers and roof boxes significantly affect your car's aerodynamics and reduce fuel efficiency, so remember to remove them when not in use.
• Avoid short journeys: a cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel and catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective.
• Plan your journeys to avoid congestion, road works and getting lost.
• Check your tyre pressure regularly - under-inflated tyres are dangerous and can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%.
• If you do end up stuck in a jam, switch the engine off if you expect to be there for more than a minute or two; cutting the engine saves fuel and reduces emissions.

In short, while many of us behind the wheel enjoy the occasional bout of speed and freedom, the essence of cost-efficient driving is eco-centric, rather than ego-centric.