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Citizens' corner
Eco-driving
“Save more than fuel”
A few simple checks on your car, carried out regularly, together with a more efficient approach to driving can bring significant reductions in fuel consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut down on the risk of accidents.
The EU, together with the oil industry, is backing a major campaign – Save more than fuel – to highlight to drivers the potential savings they can make, and to encourage them to drive more efficiently.
Motorists who apply the ten tips set out below systematically could save themselves 10% on their fuel bills, as well as reduce maintenance costs.
The ten tips…
- Service the car regularly and ensure oil levels are correct.
- Check tyre pressures every month at least, since underinflated tyres increase fuel consumption by up to 4%.
- Remove unnecessary weight from the car boot or back seats.
- Close windows at high speed, and remove empty roofracks to reduce wind resistance.
- Use air conditioning only when necessary, as it increases fuel consumption by up to 5%.
- Don’t leave the engine running when the car is stationary for more than a minute; modern engines don’t need time to warm up.
- Maintain a reasonable speed, and avoid accelerating or decelerating suddenly – drive smoothly.
- Shift up the gears as soon as possible when accelerating.
- Look at traffic flow as far ahead as possible, to try and avoid unnecessary stopping and starting.
- Consider car-sharing with work colleagues or friends.
