Save fuel and save money
With fuel prices at record levels, Warwickshire County Council is offering advice to motorists on eco-friendly car use to save money and help the environment.
There are a number of things people can do to reduce their car’s fuel consumption. Driving at 70mph in most cars uses around 30% more fuel than driving at 50mph and saving fuel these days means a significant saving in cash.
Other measures like anticipating road conditions, leaving a big gap between you and the car in front and avoiding sharp acceleration and heavy breaking not only save fuel but are often much safer ways of driving too.
Ironically with global temperatures rising due to climate change it means lots more of us are using air conditioning to cool down. Using air conditioning in cars significantly increases fuel consumption so try to use it sparingly particularly when stationary. Idling engines waste fuel and are worse for local air pollution so even if you’re only stopping for a minute whether it’s to pick someone up or in a traffic jam, it’s worth switching off as starting modern cars uses very little fuel anyway.
Other general things motorists can do is check their tyres are inflated to the correct pressure, take off things like roof racks which create drag and take out of the boot, items that you don’t need. People should also check their revs and change up a gear as early as possible. In petrol cars, you should change up a gear before 2,500rpm and for diesel before 2,000rpm.
Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “The best way to save money is to avoid using cars for short journeys and give walking or cycling a go, particularly in the lovely summer weather.
“Failing that you can save quite a bit by regularly car sharing, taking it in turns to drive and having good conversation and catching up on the way to work.”
For the full list of smarter driving tips see: http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/ecodriving