10 tips for eco friendly driving

7th November 2008

The Energy Savings Trust's top 10 tips for safer, greener, stress free driving are:

1. Check your revs - change up before 2,500 rpm (petrol) and 2,000 rpm (diesel).

2. Anticipate road conditions and drive smoothly avoiding sharp acceleration and heaving braking. This saves fuel and reduces accident rates.

3. Use air conditioning sparingly as it significantly increases fuel consumption.

4. Drive away immediately when starting from cold - idling to heat the engine wastes fuel and causes rapid engine wear.

5. Remove roof rack when not in use - they increase drag significantly.

6. Avoid short journeys - a cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel and catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective.

7. Stick to speed limits and make your fuel go further - driving at 85 mph rather than 70mph uses 25% more fuel.

8. Plan your journeys - to avoid congestion, roadworks and getting lost.

9. Check your tyre pressure regularly - underinflated tyres are dangerous and can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%.

10. If you're stuck in a jam, switch off - cutting the engine will save fuel and stop emissions.