Carbon-efficient (and safer) driving

Issued by the Energy Saving Trust and Department for Transport

  1. Check your revs - change up before 2,500rpm (petrol) and 2,000rpm (diesel).

  2. Anticipate road conditions and drive smoothly, avoiding sharp acceleration and heavy braking.    This saves fuel and reduces accident rates.

  3. Use air conditioning sparingly as it significantly increases fuel consumption.

  4. Drive away immediately when starting from cold - idling to heat the engine wastes fuel and causes rapid engine wear.

  5. Remove roof racks when not in use - they increase drag significantly.

  6. Avoid short journeys - a cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel and catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective.

  7. Stick to speed limits and make your fuel go further - driving at 85mph rather than 70mph uses 25% more fuel.

  8. Plan your journeys - to avoid congestion, roadworks and getting lost.

  9. Check your tyre pressure regularly - under-inflated tyres are dangerous and can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%

  10. If you're stuck in a jam, switch off - cutting the engine will save fuel and stop emissions.

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