Drivers Save £40 on Fuel by Adopting Smooth Pedal Technique
Petrol and diesel vehicle owners can save up to £40 worth of fuel by adopting a smoother driving style, according to recent findings from Vertu. Aggressive acceleration and braking can increase fuel use by as much as 40 per cent, making this tactic a significant way to cut costs at the pump.
Impact of Aggressive Driving on Fuel Consumption
With the cost of filling a 55-litre diesel car now reaching £100, a 40% reduction in fuel consumption translates to savings of around £40 per tank. Vertu highlights that in congested traffic, many drivers accelerate sharply toward the car ahead and brake abruptly when it slows, creating a cycle that is one of the biggest causes of fuel waste in heavy conditions.
Government ecodriving guidance supports this, noting that aggressive acceleration and braking can boost fuel consumption by 10–40% in stop-start driving scenarios.
Expert Advice for Fuel-Efficient Driving
The RAC advises that keeping the car moving at a consistent speed is crucial for fuel economy. This depends on traffic conditions, but slowing down and having to accelerate again naturally uses more fuel.
Key tips from the RAC include:
- Drive as smoothly as possible, gently using the steering, accelerator, and brakes.
- When slowing down, remain in gear to activate the fuel cut-off switch in fuel injection engines, which minimizes fuel use during braking.
- Anticipate road conditions by looking well ahead, such as spotting red traffic lights early to ease off the accelerator and avoid coming to a complete stop.
- Lift off the accelerator in advance of tight bends to reduce the need for excessive braking.
- When approaching hills, accelerate slightly before reaching them within the speed limit, then ease off to use momentum and minimize additional fuel consumption.
By following these strategies, drivers can not only save money but also contribute to more efficient and environmentally friendly driving practices.
