3.2.08

Top ways to improve your fuel ecomony and save you money.

Compared to other European countries, UK petrol prices are high and rising. With recent political and economical unrest the trend is unfortunately likely to continue. But don't despair, help is at hand in the shape of a few simple tips from 1st Call Driving Schools to help cut those fuel costs.

Slow down
Keeping your speed down can reduce the fuel consumption of the engine. It goes without saying that we should all stick to the speed limit, but your car's handbook will tell you what the most fuel-efficient in-town and out-of-town speed is for your particular model.

Lose weight
Avoid carrying any unnecessary weight in the car as heavy loads put more strain on the vehicle, leading to higher fuel consumption.

Find the shortest route
Taking the trouble to find the shortest route to your destination can make the journey more economical.

Cut the air con
Running the air conditioning increases the car's fuel consumption so if you want to economise keep it to a minimum.

Close the windows
Open windows and sun-roofs create drag which means that you won't travel as far per litre of fuel.

Share journeys
By sharing journeys with friends and colleagues the overall fuel consumption can be reduced.

Multi-tasking saves money
One long multi-purpose trip is more fuel efficient than several short ones, as a cold engine uses more fuel than a warmed up one.

Shop around
Check out the difference in prices charged by garages in your local area. Prices can vary, and if you are a high mileage driver who fills up regularly even one pence off a litre can make significant savings. Avoid filling up at motorway service stations as their prices tend to be higher.

Check your pressure
Checking tyre pressure regularly not only improves the safety and performance of the tyres, it also keeps the car running at the optimum fuel efficiency.

Smoothly does it
Try to drive as smoothly as possible and maintain a steady speed. Braking and then accelerating regularly will reduce the number of miles per litre the car can clock up. It's easier to drive smoothly (and also much safer) if you keep a gap of at least two seconds from the car in front of you.

Give the car a break
When queuing in heavy traffic or waiting for passengers, turn off the engine to avoid wasting fuel.

Stay tuned
Have your car's engine tuned at a reputable local garage to ensure it is running at the optimum fuel usage level.

Check the oil
As well as maintaining the correct levels of oil, motorists who want to save money on fuel should check the type of oil used, as some energy-efficient types can increase the number of miles per litre.

It pays to be green
Improving your car's fuel efficiency can minimise the damage it causes to the environment, by reducing the amount of fossil fuels burnt. Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere and contributes to global warming. By following our tips you can save money and protect the environment at the same time.

'eco driving' Has become an integral part of the 1st Call Driving Schools driver training syllabus with all 1st Call Instructors undergoing the necessary training to ensure standards are kept high. Whilst 'eco driving' is not part of today's driving test 1st Call belive it will soon become part of the practical exam. By teaching 'eco driving' now 1st Call Learner Drivers will have a head start, not just for the Driving Test, but for the rest of their drivng career.

If you would like further information about driving lessons or learning to drive please visit www.1st-call.co.uk.

If you are a driving instructor interested in learning more about 'eco driving' please drop us an email adi@1st-call.co.uk

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