Smoother driving could cut fuel bills by up to 10%

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 09:57 · Archive

Drivers can reduce fuel consumption by adopting a smoother driving style and avoiding hard braking and acceleration.

Car dealership Dace Motor Group is advising motorists to adopt a smoother driving style to reduce fuel consumption. The dealership suggests drivers imagine carrying a full cup of tea on the passenger seat that must not be knocked over, using the visual trick to encourage gentler acceleration and braking.

Stamping on pedals and braking hard burns unnecessary fuel on every journey. Rolling towards queues or traffic lights, rather than coming to a complete stop and restarting, lowers fuel consumption because stopping and starting again uses more petrol or diesel. Gentler driving also reduces wear and tear by placing less pressure on tyres and braking systems.

The AA confirmed driver behaviour plays a significant role in fuel economy alongside the type of vehicle used. In a previous eco-driving trial, AA staff cut their weekly fuel bills by 10 per cent by adopting smoother habits.

An AA spokesman outlined the recommended approach: 'Drive smoothly, accelerate gently and read the road ahead to avoid braking unnecessarily. Decelerate smoothly by releasing the accelerator in time, leaving the car in gear. Stopping then starting again uses more fuel than rolling. Slow early for traffic lights or approaching a queue and you might not have to stop completely.'

How it is being reported

• This trick could help drivers cut down on fuel use as pump prices soarDrivers can cut fuel bills by driving smoothly, easing off pedals and avoiding hard braking, says Dace Motor Group, with AA trials saving 10%.NW Evening Mail · 18 Oct, 09:37
• This trick could help drivers cut down on fuel use as pump prices soarDrivers can cut fuel bills by driving smoothly, easing off pedals and avoiding hard braking, says Dace Motor Group, with AA trials saving 10%.Westmorland Gazette · 18 Oct, 09:37
• This trick could help drivers cut down on fuel use as pump prices soarDrivers can cut fuel bills by driving smoothly, easing off pedals and avoiding hard braking, says Dace Motor Group, with AA trials saving 10%.Cumberland News · 18 Oct, 09:37
• This trick could help drivers cut down on fuel use as pump prices soarDrivers can cut fuel bills by driving smoothly, easing off pedals and avoiding hard braking, says Dace Motor Group, with AA trials saving 10%.Whitehaven News · 18 Oct, 09:37

In this story: Dace Motor Group · AA

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem