Save money and win a sat-nav
News article
Chance to win
Fylde residents have a chance to win a sat-nav or £100 of Halfords vouchers while learning how to drive more fuel efficiently by Smarter Driving.
They can collect an “Econometer” from any Fylde library or Fylde Council’s One Stop Shop in St Annes to work out how fuel-efficient their car is.
If they then fill in a Travel Energy Check form they will be sent a personalised travel plan and entered into a prize draw for either a sat-nav system or £100 of Halfords vouchers.
The competition offer comes at a time when petrol prices are at an all time high. With this additional cost to daily lives many people are trying to save money.
Savings can be made by cutting down on driving, using public transport, cycling and walking. But these are not always an option. The alternatives are to look after our cars and drive more sensibly to make fuel go further.
Smarter driving is being promoted by the Energy Saving Trust and supported by Fylde Council. It involves using gears wisely, slower acceleration and anticipating the road ahead to adopt a more fuel-efficient driving style.
Such simple steps reduce fuel bills and also reduce expensive wear and tear on the car.
The following simple tips below will have you well on your way to driving smarter this summer:
Behind the wheel
1. Drive off from cold. Modern cars are designed to move straight away. Warming up the engine just wastes fuel - and actually causes engine wear.
2. Check your revs. Change up before 2,500rpm (petrol) or 2,000rpm (diesel).
3. Drive smoothly. Anticipate road conditions so that you drive smoothly and avoid sharp acceleration and heavy braking.
4. Step off the accelerator. When slowing down or driving downhill, remain in gear but take your foot off the accelerator early. This reduces fuel flow to the engine to virtually zero.
5. Slow down. Driving within the speed limit is legal, safe and reduces fuel consumption.
6. Stuck in traffic - switch it off. Modern cars use virtually no extra fuel when they are re-started without pressing the accelerator. Turn off the engine if you're going to be stationary for more than a minute or two.
Smarter preparation
7. Plan ahead. Plan your journeys to avoid congestion and road works.
8. Keep it long. Use other forms of transport for short journeys, if you can. A cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel and catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective.
9. Reduce drag. Accessories such as roof racks, bike carriers and roof boxes significantly affect your car's aerodynamics and reduce fuel efficiency. Remove them when not in use.
10. Check tyre pressure. Under-inflated tyres are dangerous and increase fuel consumption.
Air conditioning can significantly increase fuel consumption. Try switching it off, or use an “eco” setting if you have one. However, if you are really hot and travelling at speed, air conditioning is better for fuel consumption than opening windows.
For more information on Smarter Driving and for advice on how you can save money on your home energy bills call the Energy Saving Trust advice centre free on 0800 512 012 or visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
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