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Not everyone can afford a new fuel friendly car, but you can still cut your fuel costs by adjusting your driving technique. We give you the top ten tips on how to cut your petrol or diesel costs, and thereby also driving more eco-friendly.

We often grumble and despair at fuel costs, but many of us often overlook the most obvious strategy, shopping around.  An immediate way of economising on your fuel is by keeping an eye out for good prices in your favourite garages. Another way is to relearn some basic things about driving, this is particularly beneficial if you own a modern car, one produced after  1990. With a new approach to driving you will in the long run be able to reduce your fuel bills, even if it at times feels you just are minding the pennies.


1. Dump the extra gear
Empty the car and boot of any excess things you don't need. Weighing down the car will make the engine work harder and use up more fuel. Things like the roof rack or ski-carrier interferes with a car's aerodynamics and will increase your fuel consumption by 20%.


2. Check the tires and engine
Check your tires at least once a month, and keep to the higher pressure recommended by the car manufacturer. Tyre pressure of just 0.5 bar below the recommended level will increase your fuel usage by 3-5%, according to the Sustainable Energy Authority. If you ever tried pushing a buggy with deflated wheels, you will understand what difference tire pressure can do.
When it comes to your engine, it makes perfect sense that an engine working at its optimal capacity and smoothly will not use up as much fuel. Make sure to service your car regularly.


4. Gear up, shift fast and rev down
Always drive in the highest possible gear. High gears can be used at fairly low speeds. The higher the gear the lower the fuel use, and this will not damage the engine. Gears can be shifted up revolutions between 2000–2.500 on both diesel and petrol engines, once you hit those revolutions on the rev counter in your dashboard gear up.
Also consider skipping gears at the right speed, such as going from gerar one to three, or two to four. Avoid making the engine struggle at any gear, by keeping an eye on your rev counter.


5. Turning on
Most of us don't realise that we don't need to accelerate when we are turning our engine on. Modern cars have an electronic system for the engine that starts the car correctly, and you use up more fuel and give out more emissions by pressing the accelerator when starting your car. On average you will use up about half a litre of fuel when you leave your engine running.
In cold weather don't let the engine run to heat it up, it's best done while driving.


6. Smooth and steady driving
The best advice for any kind of economical driving is planning. If you are driving on a road you know well, plan ahead for hindrances that are going to make you use the brakes. Let the car slow down in advance by taking the foot off the accelerator, changing gears and try to make your driving as smooth as possible, without any sudden brakes or accelerations. The less you change your speed by breaking or accelerating, the less fuel you will use, and try to  avoid accelerating forcefully


7. Foot off the accelerator
By reducing your speed, you will reduce your costs. Most of the engine power in a car is used up by acceleration, if you maintain a constant speed lowers emissions and reduces fuel use. Make sure you don't accelerate unnecessary when your speed is correct or going down a hill. You will also prolong the lifespan of your brakes.


8. Avoid the brakes
The more you use your brakes, the more fuel you use and increase the wear and tear of your brakes. Avoid it by stepping of the accelerator in advance and letting the car roll, in gear, reducing your speed smoothlybefore any bends, trafic lights or other things that require you to decrease your speed.


9. Turn off
Don't leave your engine running for more than 1-2 minutes. When you start a modern car, you will hardly use up any fuel, if you don't accelerate at the same time.


10. Extras are good and bad.
The good: cruise control helps you maintain a steady speed and thereby using up less fuel. The rev counter will help you shift to higher gears without making the engine work harder.
The bad: air condition, although not used often in Ireland it can increase your fuel usage by 20%. On motorways it is actually more efficient to use the A/C than opening a window, which will interfere with the aerodynamics. Other bad extras are any electrical devices, such as heaters, are run by the engine and will use up more fuel, even the stereo.