Eco-driving will become part of the DSA driving test, and is recognised as a style of driving which can not only reduce fuel consumption, but also by doing so be more Environmentally friendly

Did you know that by making a few adjustments to the way you drive could reduce your fuel costs by as much as 10%? Driving economically will not only save money but will also help reduce your vehicles greenhouse gas emissions.

Top 10 tips for saving fuel are:

1.       Check your revs – change up a gear when the engine is revving between 2000 and 2500 revs.

2.     Use air-condition sparingly – it significantly increases fuel consumption

3.     Anticipate road conditions – drive smoothly, look and plan well ahead, avoiding sharp acceleration and heavy braking. As well as reducing fuel consumption it also reduces the likelihood of an accident

4.     Remove roof racks – also bike carriers, roof boxes and driving with windows and sunroof open will decrease your car aerodynamics, therefore reduce fuel efficiency

5.     Check tyre pressure regularly – under-inflated tyres are dangerous, wear out quicker and can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%

6.     Avoid short journeys – a cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel and a catalytic converter takes around 6 miles to become effective. Catalytic converters help clean up harmful exhaust emissions

7.     Plan your journey – to avoid congestion, road works and getting lost

8.     Maintain a steady speed – the most efficient speed is around 50mph (depending on the vehicle type). Driving faster than this will greatly increase you fuel consumption. Driving at 70mph can use 15% more fuel than driving at 50mph

9.     Switch the engine off – if you are stuck in a jam and expect to be so for a few minutes, cutting the engine will save fuel and reduce emissions

10.        Drive away immediately – leaving an engine idling in    order to warm up the car causes engine wear and wastes fuel