Tips on fuel efficiency

When buying a new car

Consider the car you want

In very general terms smaller cars tend to be more fuel efficient and emit less CO2, so ask yourself questions about what you want the car for. Do I really need six seats for a family of four? Could I make do with a smaller boot if I only use the car for shopping? You get the picture.

The engine matters

Once you´ve decided on the type of car check out the different makes, models and engine options. Most models offer a range of engines that vary in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

Petrol or diesel?

Petrol and diesel engines have different effects on the environment. Engines powered by diesel generally produce less CO2 but more air quality pollutant emissions than their petrol counterparts. But which one should you choose?

As a rule of thumb, if most of the driving you do is long distance or motorway driving then consider a diesel engine for fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. On the other hand if you spend more time in town, where air quality is a greater consideration, then a petrol engine may be better suited.

Look for the label

Most new cars in a car showroom have a colour-coded fuel efficiency rating like fridges and washing machines (like the one shown above). The coding is from band A to band G, with bands A and B representing cars that emit the least CO2, as well as having lower car tax.

The lower the emission band, the lower the tax you´ll pay. The label is also a guide to the running costs you can expect for that car over 12,000 miles so you can compare how much different cars cost to run.

Ask about fuel efficiency

Ask your car sales staff about the efficiency and environmental performance of your chosen car and the helpful extras available. For example, ´particulates´ are emissions released when fuel is burned that are harmful to local air quality.

But on some cars an optional extra called a DPF (diesel particulate filter) can be fitted to reduce these emissions from diesel engines. As petrol cars produce fewer particulates, filters are not generally needed for petrol engines.

There are smarter ways to drive your car that help to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. Our list of Smarter Driving tips offers useful suggestions you can put into practice to help you cut down.

When driving your car

Pump up to cut down

Under inflated tyres create more resistance when your car is moving, which means your engine has to work harder, so more fuel is used and more CO2 emissions are produced. Simply check and adjust your tyre pressures regularly and also before long journeys. This will also help to increase the life of your tyres.

Under-inflated tyres increase CO2 but over inflated tyres can be unsafe so check your car manual for the correct tyre pressure. Remember, a car with a heavier load may need different air pressure in the tyres.

Less clutter in your car means less CO2

Clutter in your boot is extra weight your engine has to lug around. By removing it, you could reduce your engine´s workload. This will burn less fuel and cut your CO2 emissions so unload any items you won´t need for your journey before you set out.

Driving at an appropriate speed reduces CO2

Speed limits are the maximum lawful speeds which may be driven in ideal circumstances. Drivers should never exceed the speed limit. Staying at or within the speed limit increases driver safety. It also reduces CO2 emissions and saves money on your petrol costs. At 70mph you could be using up to 9% more fuel than at 60mph and up to 15% more fuel than at 50mph.

Less stopping and starting means less CO2

Every time you stop then start again in a traffic queue, the engine uses more fuel and therefore produces more CO2. Keep an eye on the traffic ahead and slow down early by gently lifting your foot off the accelerator while keeping the car in gear.

In this way, the traffic may have started moving again by the time you approach the vehicle in front, so you can then change gear and be on your way.

Over revving accelerates emissions

Modern car engines are designed to be efficient from the moment they are switched on, so revving up like a Formula 1 car in pole position only wastes fuel and increases engine wear.

Using your gears wisely by changing up a gear a little earlier can also reduce revs. If you drive a diesel car try changing up a gear when the rev counter reaches 2000rpm. For a petrol car change up at 2500rpm.

Idling is wasting fuel

When the engine is idling you´re wasting fuel and adding to CO2 emissions. If you´re likely to be at a standstill for more than 3 minutes, simply switch off the engine.