Fuel Efficient Driving Tips

The way you drive can have a huge impact on fuel efficiency and the environment. Greenhouse gas emissions are believed to be one of the major causes of global warming. A significant amount of these emissions are caused by petrol refining so if we all make an effort to reduce the amount of petrol we use in our vehicles, the environment will be better for it. Changing the way you consume energy is important, and won't affect you at all in any major capacity. You're still able to use your car, receive roadside assistance, anything you may need. Just think more about the way in which you're using your car. Small changes to the way you drive can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce fuel consumption, reduce air pollution, increase fuel efficiency and save you money.

Follow these 10 simple tips for fuel efficient driving.

1. Reduce your vehicle use.
This may be stating the obvious but there are many times when you can leave the car at home. Walk to the local shops instead of driving. So many people drive to the gym, why not walk and get some extra exercise for free? Take public transport more often. If you always drive to work, taking public transport once or twice a week will save petrol and reduce traffic congestion. Arrange a car pool to take your children to school or to go to work.

2. Plan ahead.
Plan to drive in off peak times to avoid traffic jams. Avoid known trouble spots and where road works are taking place. Listen to traffic reports for the latest road conditions and plan your route accordingly.

3. Don't speed.
Maintain a steady speed at the speed limit. Your car will be most efficient when you reach the highest gear at the lowest practical speed but will quickly become inefficient if you go over this speed. Use cruise control when driving in the country to maintain a constant speed at the speed limit.

4. Avoid wasting fuel by idling.
This is one of the biggest problems leading to excess fuel consumption. Idling is not good for your car or the environment. Don't start your car until you are ready to go and turn off the engine if you are going to be stopping for more than 2 minutes. Leave for work early or arrange to start late to avoid having to sit idling in traffic during peak periods.

5. Only use air conditioning when it's really necessary.
Avoid using climate controlled air conditioning systems as the constant use will lead to excess fuel consumption.

6. Choose the right gear.
Change gears as soon as practical to reach high gear and change down a gear when travelling uphill. Automatic transmissions will shift up a gear quicker if you ease back slightly on the accelerator.

7. Service you car regularly.
Maintenance is extremely important in keeping your car fuel efficient.

8. Check your tyre pressure.
Make sure your tyres are inflated correctly and properly aligned. Under inflated tyres increase fuel consumption and reduce tyre life. Check tyre pressure at least once a month.

9. Don't rev the engine and accelerate unnecessarily.
Coasting towards red lights or stop signs is more efficient than driving quickly and then stopping quickly. Accelerating quickly uses a lot of petrol, try to accelerate smoothly, changing gears as soon possible without straining the engine.

10. Minimise drag.
Keep windows closed, especially when travelling at high speed. Remove heavy items from the boot to keep
the vehicle as light as possible. Remove roof racks when not in use.