1. Drive smoothly - Aggressive driving can use as much as a third more fuel than safe driving. Avoid accelerating or braking too hard and try to keep your steering as smooth as possible. 2. Use higher gears - The higher gear you drive in the lower your engine speed is, which can improve fuel efficiency. So change up a gear whenever you can, without labouring the engine. 3. Tune and service your engine - A well tuned engine can improve fuel economy by up to 4%, so change your oil and follow your car manufacturer's recommendation on servicing. 4. Keep your tyres at the right pressure - Correctly inflated tyres are safer and last longer. A tyre that is under inflated by just 1psi can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 3%. An under or over inflated tyre is also moresusceptible to failing. 5. Avoid carrying excess weight - For every extra 45 kg you carry your fuel efficiency can drop by 1-2%. So keep your boot or back seat clear of unnecessary items that just add weight to your vehicle. 6. Keep the windows closed - Wind blowing through an open window will slow you down. To compensate, you may put your foot down harder, using more fuel. 7. Take the roof rack off - If you're not using your roof rack then remove it. They affect the aerodynamic efficiency of your vehicle and create drag, reducing fuel economy by as much as 5%. 8. Use the correct oil - Always use the recommended grade of motor oil. Using the manufacturer's recommended lubricant can improve fuel efficiency by 1-2%. Higher quality motor oils can also help your engine operate more efficiently. 9. Fuel Matters - All fuels are not created equal. Fuel economy is maximised in the engine through a combination of good driving habits and using the best fuel...one that helps reduce friction and improve cleanliness in the engine, thereby boosting fuel efficiency. 10. Use cruise control - Using cruise control on major roads helps you maintain a constant speed and, in many cases, will improve fuel consumption. 11. Avoid excess idling - Idling gets you nowhere but still burns fuel. Turn the engine off when you're in a queue, or waiting for someone, until you need it. 12. Plan trips carefully - Cutting down on the time spent in the car is the easiest way to conserve fuel. To reduce driving time, combine all your short trips and errands into a single journey. 13. Avoid over revving - Change gear in good time when you pull away or when you're accelerating. Never 'redline' the rev counter. 14. Avoid high speeds - The faster you go the more wind resistance you'll encounter and the more fuel your vehicle will consume just to maintain speed. Driving just 5mph over the speed limit can affect fuel economy by up to 23%. 15. Keep your distance - Leave a sensible distance between yourself and the car ahead to give you ample time to brake evenly. 16. Use air conditioning sparingly - Air conditioning puts added strain on the engine and uses fuel to operate, so limit use to particularly hot or cold days. On temperate days use the fan instead. 17. Check the air filters - Air filters keep impurities from damaging your engine. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve fuel economy by as much as 10% and will help protect your engine. 18. Avoid rush hour - If you can travel outside of peak times, you'll spend less time stuck in traffic and consume less fuel as a result. 19. Conserve momentum - Think ahead when you're driving. For example, slow down early to let traffic lights change, rather than stopping completely, or speed up a little before you reach the foot of a hill. 20. Avoid small fuel fills - Fuel evaporates every time you open the fuel cap. To stop this, avoid repeatedly topping up your tank. Also check the seal on your fuel cap is airtight. P+ Webtip: Reisverslag van John en Helen Taylor