Fuel-efficient driving
Would you like to save around 20p a litre on every litre of fuel you buy?
It’s not just about the car you drive, but about the way you drive too. Simple changes will reduce your fuel consumption - saving you money in the long run. Read on to find out how smarter driving techniques cut fuel costs, reduce the wear and tear on your car and cut your carbon emissions.
If you would like to know about how to help your employees reduce their fuel consumption and become smarter drivers, please visit the business section of our website.
Our top tips for fuel-efficient driving:
1) Try these techniques when you’re driving:
- Drive smoothly - anticipate as far ahead as possible to avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration.
- Step off the accelerator - when slowing down or driving downhill, remain in gear but take your foot off the accelerator as early as possible. This reduces fuel flow to the engine to virtually zero.
- Slow down - avoid excessive speeds when possible. Driving at 85mph is against the law and uses approximately 25% more fuel than 70mph.
2) Get your car in shape:
- Check tyre pressure frequently. Under-inflated tyres are not only dangerous and but also increase your fuel consumption.
- Air conditioning - switching it off or using climate control on the ‘eco’ setting reduces fuel consumption. And opening a window at high speed increases fuel consumption more than using air conditioning.
- Switch it off - cars use virtually no extra fuel when they’re re-started without pressing the accelerator. Turn off if you’re going to be stationary for more than a minute or two.
3) Book your Smarter Driving training
Training is now available from our Energy Saving Trust endorsed Smarter Driving trainers in the Sussex and Surrey, and Kent areas.
The Smarter Driving training programme consists of one session, lasting up to two hours, which follows a well-established format which we have already delivered to over 30,000 drivers.
Does it work?
Fuel consumption is measured at the beginning and end of the training session so that you can immediately see the improvement. On average, trainees have reduced their fuel consumption by 15% when measured straight after training.
Training not only saves you money and reduces fuel consumption, but it is an enjoyable and interesting experience too. The skills you learn add up to a safer, stress-free driving experience for you and your passengers, without affecting daily journey times.
What do people think?
Louise from Haywards Heath said: “I thought my driving was good on fuel consumption, until I had my Smarter Driving Training and now am looking forward to making savings on fuel costs with the new techniques, and improved, relaxed driving style that I have learned”
Donna Weston said: “I really found my Smarter Driving training great fun. It clearly highlighted how to drive more fuel efficiently, and I’m looking forward to spending less on petrol from now on!”
If you're interested in a smarter driving course, please contact trainers directly to check prices and availability. And if you don’t live in Sussex, Surrey or Kent, training could be coming to an area near you shortly - watch this space!
- Download our list of trainers in Sussex and Surrey.
- Download our list of trainers in Kent.
- Read more about the training programme.
Visit the Scottish section of the site to find out about fuel-efficient driving in Scotland.
