Eco-driving, as part of https://exldrivers.co.uk/ is all about making small adjustments that add up to big savings in fuel, emissions, and wear on your car. Here are some tips to help you become a more eco-friendly driver:

1. Smooth and Gentle Acceleration

Rapid acceleration consumes more fuel. Gradually press the accelerator to build up speed smoothly, and avoid revving the engine.

Try to keep the RPM (revolutions per minute) in an efficient range, usually between 1,500 and 2,500 RPM, depending on your vehicle.

2. Anticipate Traffic Flow

Look ahead and anticipate stops, traffic lights, and slowdowns to avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration.

Coast when you know a stop is coming up, instead of maintaining speed and braking hard at the last moment.

3. Maintain a Steady Speed

Use cruise control on highways to maintain a consistent speed, which helps save fuel.

Avoid speeding; most cars are most fuel-efficient around 50-65 mph (80-105 km/h), and fuel efficiency decreases significantly at higher speeds.

4. Minimize Idling

Turn off the engine if you're parked or waiting for more than a minute. Idling consumes fuel and increases emissions without moving you any closer to your destination.

In some modern cars, idle stop-start features will automatically turn off the engine when you stop at a light.

5. Use Air Conditioning Wisely

Air conditioning puts an extra load on the engine, reducing fuel efficiency. Use it sparingly, especially at low speeds.

Try to use the car's ventilation system or open windows when driving at low speeds and use the AC at higher speeds, when open windows create more drag.

6. Reduce Weight and Drag

Remove any unnecessary weight, like heavy items in the trunk or back seat, which can increase fuel consumption.

If you have a roof rack or bike carrier, remove it when it’s not in use. Roof racks increase wind resistance, which makes the engine work harder and burns more fuel.

7. Check Tire Pressure Regularly

Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, reducing fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure monthly and keep it at the recommended level.

8. Shift Gears Appropriately (For Manual Transmissions)

Shift to a higher gear as soon as possible, as lower gears consume more fuel. Avoid revving the engine before shifting to a higher gear.

9. Service Your Car Regularly

A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Regular oil changes, clean air filters, and properly functioning spark plugs can all improve fuel economy.

If your vehicle has a fuel-efficient driving mode, use it! Many modern cars have an "Eco" mode that adjusts throttle response and other settings to save fuel.

10. Plan Efficient Routes

Combine errands to avoid multiple short trips, which are less fuel-efficient.

Use navigation apps to find the most fuel-efficient routes, and try to avoid routes with heavy traffic if possible.

11. Brake Smoothly and Early

Hard braking wastes energy, as it takes more fuel to get the car back up to speed afterward. Aim to brake gradually and early.

Eco-driving isn't just about saving fuel; it's about adopting a smoother, more relaxed driving style that reduces wear on your vehicle and minimizes your environmental footprint.