Eco-safe driving

By the end of this topic you can

• You can plan ahead so you accelerate and brake smoothly and early.
• You can choose gears and engine speeds that avoid wasting fuel.
• You can avoid leaving the engine running unnecessarily.
• You can carry out simple checks, such as tyre pressures, that improve efficiency.
• You can plan journeys to avoid wasted miles.

What you need to know and understand

• You MUST NOT leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while it is stationary on a public road (Highway Code rule 123).
• If you are likely to be stationary for more than a couple of minutes, apply the parking brake and switch off the engine, unless you are stopped in traffic (rule 123).
• Check tyre pressures weekly, when the tyres are cold. Under-inflated tyres affect braking and steering (Highway Code annex 6).
• Planning ahead lets you slow down by easing off early rather than braking hard.
• Removing unnecessary weight, such as an empty roof rack or storage box, reduces fuel use (DVSA syllabus).
• Coasting in neutral or with the clutch down reduces control and is not a safe way to save fuel (rule 122).

Smooth is efficient

Every time you brake hard, you throw away energy you used fuel to build up. By looking well ahead you can see when you will need to slow down and ease off the accelerator early, letting the car slow gently. In many cars this also cuts fuel use while you are slowing.

Accelerate smoothly and progressively, not harshly. Keep a steady speed where you can, and avoid racing up to queues or red lights only to stop.

Gears and speed

Change up in good time as your speed builds, so the engine is not working at high revs for longer than needed. You can sometimes miss out gears, such as changing from third to fifth, when it is safe and suits your speed. In an automatic, gentle use of the accelerator lets the gearbox change up early.

Higher speeds use more fuel. Keeping within the limit and avoiding unnecessary bursts of speed saves fuel and is safer.

Simple habits that save fuel

• Check tyre pressures weekly and keep them at the manufacturer's figures.
• Remove roof racks, boxes and heavy items when you do not need them.
• Use air conditioning and heated screens only when needed, but always clear misted windows for safety.
• Plan your route to avoid congestion and getting lost.
• Combine short trips, as a cold engine is least efficient.
• Switch off the engine if you will be stationary for more than a couple of minutes, except in traffic.

Eco-safe, not eco-risky

Saving fuel never comes before safety. Do not coast downhill in neutral, do not follow closely behind lorries to save fuel, and do not avoid braking when you need to. The safest, smoothest drivers are usually the most economical anyway.

Common mistakes

• Braking late and hard. Look ahead and ease off early.
• Staying in low gears too long. Change up as speed rises.
• Leaving the engine running while parked. Switch it off.
• Coasting to save fuel. It reduces control and engine braking.

Test yourself: Eco-safe driving

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Eco-Safe Driving Tips for Learners