Two drivers in the same car on the same route can use very different amounts of fuel. The difference is driving style, and you can change yours starting today.
Research backs this up: a meta-analysis of 17 studies from the University of California, Davis found that when drivers get feedback on their fuel use, fuel economy improves by 6.6% on average. Here's what those drivers learn to do.
1. Accelerate gently
Hard acceleration burns the most fuel. Pull away smoothly and build up speed gradually.
2. Look far ahead
Every time you brake, you throw away energy you paid for. Watch the traffic well ahead, lift off early for red lights and roundabouts, and let the car roll.
3. Keep a steady speed
Speeding up and slowing down constantly wastes fuel. On the motorway, cruise control helps on flat roads.
4. Don't go too fast
Air resistance grows quickly with speed, so fuel use rises sharply above about 110 km/h. Driving a little slower on long trips is one of the biggest single savings.
5. Shift up early
In a manual car, change up around 2,000–2,500 rpm (diesel) or 2,500–3,000 rpm (petrol). Many cars show a gear-shift indicator: follow it.
6. Don't idle
An idling engine uses fuel and goes nowhere. If you're waiting more than a minute, switch off. Modern engines don't need to warm up standing still: just drive gently for the first few kilometres.
7. Cut weight and drag
Empty the boot, remove roof boxes and bike racks when you don't need them, and use air conditioning sensibly.
Track your progress
Check your car's trip computer for average consumption (L/100 km). Reset it, try these habits for a week, and compare.
Photo: A. L. on Unsplash