by Trish Whelan. The British-based RAC Foundation and the Energy Saving Trust have issued a set of guidelines for motorists to help save energy and make driving less stressful.
• Plan your journey carefully to avoid congestion, roadworks and getting lost. Allow plenty of time for the trip. Never drive for more than two hours without taking a break.
• Before setting off adjust the mirrors, seating and heating / ventilation for maximum comfort. Maintain a constant flow of fresh air into the car.
• Vehicle breakdowns can be stressful. Carry out routine checks regularly and ensure your car is regularly serviced and well maintained. Check your tyre pressure regularly; under inflated tyres wear out more quickly and can increase fuel consumption by up to three per cent.
• Drive defensively – avoiding harsh acceleration and heavy braking where possible. Pulling away too fast uses up to 60 per cent more fuel.
• Be tolerant of other road users and errors they may make. Listen to relaxing music, or practice breathing exercises to keep calm.
• Use the gearbox efficiently – changing gear at a more modest engine speed can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent.
• Drive off immediately when starting from cold – idling to heat the engine wastes fuel and causes rapid engine wear.
• Avoid short journeys – a cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel, while catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective. Take a walk in the fresh air to the local shops instead.
• Stick to speed limits and make your fuel go further – driving at 70mph uses up to 30 per cent more fuel than at 50mph.
• If you are stuck in a jam, switch off – turning off the engine after two minutes will save fuels and cut all emissions.
