Martin Gurdon

How to save money at the pump

The driving tips that will cut your fuel bill

  • From Spectator Life
Image: HM Treasury

If fuel prices are making you splenetic, the driving techniques designed to make that fuel go further might restore a degree of calm.

Driving with economy in mind is all about smoothness, anticipation, being aware of your surroundings and not rushing things. Serial congestion means that, more often than not, an easy going journey is only fractionally slower than one where you’ve gone hell for leather.

So, here are some driving techniques that will help keep down the petrol bills:

Leave time to brake

Harsh acceleration and braking will dent your car’s efficiency. Looking ahead and around you, so that you’re anticipating things that might bring you to a sudden stop will result in it working less hard, which will improve your MPG. This means that you’re more likely to have begun gently lifting off the accelerator as cars in front of you bang on their brakes. It will help you drive smoothly, which also puts less strain on your car.

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