Carbon-efficient (and safer) driving
Issued by the Energy Saving Trust and Department for Transport
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Check your revs - change up before 2,500rpm (petrol) and 2,000rpm (diesel).
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Anticipate road conditions and drive smoothly, avoiding sharp acceleration and heavy braking. This saves fuel and reduces accident rates.
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Use air conditioning sparingly as it significantly increases fuel consumption.
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Drive away immediately when starting from cold - idling to heat the engine wastes fuel and causes rapid engine wear.
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Remove roof racks when not in use - they increase drag significantly.
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Avoid short journeys - a cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel and catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective.
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Stick to speed limits and make your fuel go further - driving at 85mph rather than 70mph uses 25% more fuel.
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Plan your journeys - to avoid congestion, roadworks and getting lost.
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Check your tyre pressure regularly - under-inflated tyres are dangerous and can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%
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If you're stuck in a jam, switch off - cutting the engine will save fuel and stop emissions.