Motorists ‘could save £300 a year’

The average driver could save nearly £300 a year by using 'eco-driving' techniques, Continental Tyres has estimated.  It adds up to a shocking £18,000 over the driving lifetime of a motorist (at today's fuel prices).

Research commissioned by the company found that, despite the fact nearly 9 out of 10 motorists are concerned about the rising cost of fuel, 40% admit to being clueless when it comes to eco-driving.

Before you set off:

  • Check the pressure of your tyres regularly (every two weeks is recommended). The right pressure means less rolling resistance - and therefore less fuel consumption. Incorrect pressures can also increase tyre wear.
  • Get rid of unnecessary loads. This includes removing your roof rack whenever it's not needed - this alone can increase fuel consumption by up to 10%. Empty roof boxes are also very thirsty - remove if you are not using them.
  • Think about whether a vehicle you use mainly around town needs the spare tyre - a compressor with a tyre sealant is far lighter and saves room.
  • Make sure your tyres are properly aligned to reduce fuel usage, and avoid uneven wear which can lead to premature replacement.
  • Plan unfamiliar journeys to reduce the chance of getting lost and check the traffic news to avoid delays.

While driving:

  • After starting your engine, set off immediately. Modern motors no longer need a warm-up phase. In winter, scrape the ice off rather than leave the car running for a long period to clear the windscreen.
  • Always drive in the highest possible gear for the speed you are doing, but do not let the engine labour.
  • Drive within the speed limit - the faster you go the more fuel you use. Driving at 70mph uses up to 9% more fuel than at 60mph and up to 15% more than at 50mph. Cruising at 80mph can use up to 25% more fuel than at 70mph.
  • Avoid 'racing starts' at traffic lights. Accelerate gradually and move up the gears quickly.
  • Drive with a little anticipation and with a little more distance from the vehicle ahead of you to avoid harsh braking. Your vehicle needs much more energy to start rolling again after slowing down.
  • Only turn the air conditioning on when really needed. In the summer, park in the shade or use a screen shade as this saves money on cooling down the car.
  • Heated front/rear windows and demister blowers all use energy, so make sure they're off when you don't need them.

"As fuel costs continue to rise, affordable motoring is a big concern," said Tim Bailey at Continental Tyres.  "But by making minor alterations to your driving technique and doing regular basic checks, motorists can save hundreds of pounds a year."

He added:  "Our research also discovered that over two thirds of motorists are unaware that tyres are now made that improve fuel efficiency through lower rolling resistance. 

The £300 saving is base on the average motorist doing 9,000 miles a year and achieving 37.8mpg at 135.8p per litre.  Eco-driving techniques can save up to 20% on fuel, the company claims.