Make a handful of simple tweaks and carbon-smart driving will become second nature. Here's how you can be kinder to your wallet and the planet by shifting into a greener gear.
What is eco-driving?
Whether you're commuting, on a road trip or running errands, lowering costs and emissions with eco-driving is a win-win. Most people think minimising mileage is the only way to gain these benefits, but the trick is getting to grips with greener driving techniques.
On average, you'll stretch your fuel 25 per cent further. However much you'd usually spend on a 400-mile journey you could get 500 miles out of it instead. It also reduces vehicle wear and tear, meaning fewer trips to the garage for expensive repairs.
How does driving style impact the environment?
It comes down to CO2 emissions – the main cause of global warming. Nearly a quarter of Europe's total CO2 emissions comes from transport, 61 per cent of which is produced by passenger cars. If we adjust our behaviours on the road, this could be reduced by up to 40 per cent.
Why does it save money?
While the design of every car sets its optimum fuel economy limit, how you drive dictates how close you are to this minimum consumption.
Think of it like sharing the task of making the vehicle run between you and your car, the more work you put in to make it a smoother ride the less energy from fuel is needed per mile. You'll burn through it slower and maximise the distance travelled per litre – getting more miles for your money.
If you're planning a holiday, there are plenty of other tips and tricks for savings on car hire you can try alongside eco-driving.
Eco-driving tips
From prep to on-the-road skills, here's how to become a more carbon-conscious traveller.
Keeping your car in tip-top condition
Vehicle maintenance increases fuel efficiency and lowers the chances of costly repairs.
The RAC recommends having a full service once a year or every 12,000 miles.
While parked on a flat surface with a cool engine check your oil level. If it's low, top it up with the correct engine oil type for your car – this information can be found in the vehicle handbook or Halford's engine oil finder.
Make sure your tyres are always pumped to the right pressure, especially before longer journeys.
Put time into planning
Key things to remember before setting off
Remove anything you don't need from your boot and backseats – the lighter the car the cheaper the journey,
Rid of roof racks and anything attached to the exterior like top boxes to reduce drag while driving.
Use apps like Waze and Google Maps to help avoid stop-and-start traffic and indirect journeys. Opt for motorways where possible to tootle along with cruise control (consistent speeds save pennies).
Stick to a good old-fashioned ice scraper if you need to clear your windscreen rather than wasting energy with the fans on full blast.
Keep the engine off until everyone is in the car and ready to roll.
An easy thing to remember for effective eco-driving is to keep a cool head and stay relaxed.
Master the art of sustainable motoring
Key techniques for keeping emissions low while you're on the road
Take it easy while you travel, it not only makes you a safer driver but also reduces your carbon footprint, keeps your wallet happy and your mind relaxed.
Accelerate and brake gently.
Time your approach in traffic so you slowly roll towards traffic lights or the car in front for less energy-draining stop-and-starts.
Keep the revs low – practice shifting up a gear early when the gauge hits around 2,000 RPM.
Roll down your windows instead of blasting the air con.
Stick to the speed limit.
Green driving tips checklist
FAQ
Challenge yourself to travel more at a smaller cost by building better habits on the road. Now you know what to do, it's time to put your knowledge into practice.
Planning a self-drive adventure? Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car hire.
