Top tips to use less fuel and save money

WHILE motorists can do little about the rising cost of fuel, they can take action to ensure the way they drive is as efficient as possible. To help save up to 15 per cent of fuel and reduce carbon emissions, road safety charity the IAM has come up with advice on eco driving.

The organisation's chief examiner Peter Rodger has these tips for saving fuel:

● Try to brake as infrequently as possible; slow down and take your foot off the accelerator early when approaching a queue, junction, roundabout or red traffic lights. Look well ahead of you so you can start taking action early, making braking smoother and more gradual.

● If you get stuck in a traffic jam and your car does not have an automatic stop/start system, switch off the engine off while you wait.

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● Stick to the speed limit, which offers a fair compromise between economy and getting somewhere efficiently. There's a significant saving made by doing 70mph instead of 80mph, as well as avoiding any risk of speeding fines.

● If you are able to do so, use block gear changing ( switch from second to fourth when accelerating, or fifth to second or third when decelerating). This is more fuel-efficient than working your way through all the gears.

● Reverse into parking bays. If you do all the manoeuvring with a hot engine you can drive straight off when you come back and warm the engine up more quickly.

● Check your vehicle regularly to ensure it operates efficiently. In particular, check tyre tread depth and pressure (tyre pressure should be checked when the tyres are cold, before the air inside them heats up).

● Remove excess weight, including roof racks, car clutter and unnecessary items in the boot. The more weight you carry in the car, the more fuel you'll consume.

Mr Rodger said: "We've all got better things to spend our money on than petrol. Green driving can save up to 15 per cent on your bills, as well as reducing your carbon emissions."