Eco-friendly driving could save UK drivers millions in fuel costs

26th Jun, 2015

A recent study has exposed the fuel-wasting habits of UK motorists. The study, by Barclaycard’s Fuel+, reveals that failure to practice eco-friendly driving habits costs drivers £700 million every year.

By adopting a few simple, eco-friendly habits, The Energy Saving Trust claims you could save up to £120 a year from your fuel bill. Top tips include:

 

• • Don’t stop and start, slow down in advance before you get to traffic lights to avoid stopping if possible

 

• • Don’t turn the engine on until you’re ready to go

 

• • Remove any unnecessary weight or obstacles (such as a roof box) to make your car lighter and more aerodynamic

 

• • Slow down – driving at 80mph can use 25% more fuel than driving at 70mph

 

• • Stay in a higher gear where possible

 

• • Make sure your tires are properly inflated, as under-inflated tyres cause fuel consumption to increase.

The study also found that younger drivers tend to adopt more fuel-economical driving habits as opposed to older generations; nine in ten 17-24 year-olds consistently use fuel-saving techniques, whilst 55% of those over 65 admit that they don’t drive in an eco-friendly way. One in three motorists admitted to not using any eco-friendly and fuel-efficient methods, which reportedly contributes to 636 million litres of wasted petrol a year.

The report also revealed some regional differences, with Londoners prepared to walk up to 2 miles to avoid using a car.

Sarah Sillars, Chief Executive of the Institute of Advanced Motorists commented:

‘If everyone was to maintain eco-driving as part of a driving style over the longer term, fuel savings would be around 10 per cent. People could benefit from driving in a more ecological and efficient way and find the experience reduces the wear and tear on their vehicle, making driving a much safer prospect.’

John Bostock, Account Development Director for Barclaycard, added ‘with such a huge amount of money wasted on fuel, we would benefit massively as a nation if we were more mindful when it comes to driving in a more eco-friendly way’.

So next time you set off for your commute, stop and think about how you’re driving. If you adopt a few of these habits, you could find yourself saving on your fuel bills. Many newer cars available have eco-friendly driver assist features built-in, with gear-change prompts and automatic engine shutdown when the car is at a standstill. If you are thinking of opting for a more fuel-efficient, eco-friendly car or getting rid if your vehicle altogether, Scrap Car Network will offer you the best price for your old car. With free collection anywhere in the UK, Scrap Car Network will deal with your old car responsibly, recycling as much as possible so as to minimise waste sent to landfill. The service even helps to sustain charity, so enter your reg number at www.scrapcarnetwork.org for a quick, no-obligation quote.