Changing your driving style can both save you money and lessen your impact on the environment. This is the message being taught through a new form of driving lessons- eco driving lessons.
Here are some top tips from a RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) awarded driver instructor, on how you should be driving if you want to save the pennies as well as the planet:
- Curb your speed: As well as providing clear safety benefits to yourself and other road users, driving at 70mph instead of 85mph will make you a 40% fuel saving.*
- Change gear only when necessary: In a petrol car, the ‘right’ time to change gear is at the 2,500 revs mark* and abiding by this rule can save you 15% on fuel consumption.*
- Adopt an smooth approach: Gradual acceleration and smooth gear changes fair better on the environment.*
- De- clutter: Carrying unecessary weight in your car, whether it be garden tools in the boot or a full tank of petrol, adds an additional strain on your fuel expenditure, because for every 45kg, 1% of fuel is used up.*
- Don’t idle: Switch off your engine where possible*- running the engine when you’re stuck in a traffic jam is using fuel just for the sake of it.
- Don’t coast: Being in neutral uses up more fuel than when the car is in gear*, so don’t fall for this fuel saving myth.
- Carry out routine checks on your vehicle: maintaining your vehicle will ensure that economically you get the best out of your vehicle.*
- Purchase a fuel- flow meter: This clever device tracks your fuel consumption and thereby aims to prompt you to follow the above eco- driving style to keep the figure as low as you can.
The RAC Foundation supports the eco- driving approach and would encourage motorists to adopt this green and economical style as not only does lessen one’s carbon footprint without having to reduce the amount you drive, but it can save you money too- and just in time for Christmas!
