1. MaintenanceKeep your car well serviced and check the oil level regularly. A correctly maintained car with an internally clean engine operates more efficiently and helps reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 15%.
2. Tyre PressuresCheck your tyre pressure every month. Under-inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by up to 4%*. Find and maintain the correct tyre pressures for your vehicle.
3. Stay LightRemove unnecessary weight from your boot or back seats. The heavier the car, then the harder the engine has to work and therefore increasing your overall fuel consumption.
4. Stay AerodynamicClose your windows, especially at higher speeds and remove empty roof racks. Reducing wind resistance lowers fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 10%**.
5. Use Air Cone WiselyUse air conditioning only when genuinely required. Unnecessary use of your vehicles Air Conditioning system increases fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 5%**.
6. Reduce Idling TimeDrive straight after starting the car and turn the engine off when stationary for over a minute. Modern cars allow you to ‘get in and go’, reducing fuel consumption.
7. Drive SmoothlyDrive at reasonable speeds and above all, accelerate and brake as smoothly as possible. Every time you accelerate or brake suddenly, your engine uses more fuel and produces more CO2.
8. Use Higher GearsWhen accelerating in your vehicle, change up to a higher gear as early as possible. Using higher gears, or ‘short shifting’, is more economical in terms of fuel consumption**.
9. Anticipate TrafficTry to anticipate traffic flow. Look at the traffic as far ahead as possible in order to avoid unnecessary stopping and starting within the flow of traffic.
10. Car SharingConsider car sharing, both for work and for leisure. You will help reduce congestion and fuel consumption by using one car for a shared journey.
* International Energy Agency ** European Commission