Go Zero

Energy Saving Trust 'Car Doctor' offers tips on eco-driving as part of Sky's Green Britain week. (11 January 2007) Energy Saving Trust 'Car Doctor' offers tips on eco-driving as part of Sky's Green Britain week. As part of Sky's Green Britain week, the Energy Saving Trust's Car Doctor offers viewers top tips on how to be an eco-friendly driver:

Check your revs - change up before 2,500rpm (petrol) and 2,000rpm (diesel). Anticipate road conditions and drive smoothly, avoiding sharp acceleration and heavy braking. This saves fuel and reduces accident rates.

Use air conditioning sparingly as it significantly increases fuel consumption.

Drive away immediately when starting from cold - idling to heat the engine wastes fuel and causes rapid engine wear.

Remove the roof rack when it is not in use, as they significantly increase the drag.

Avoid short journeys, as a cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel and catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective.

Stick to speed limits and make your fuel go further - driving at 80mph rather than 70mph uses 10-15 per cent more fuel.

Plan your journeys to avoid congestion, roadworks and getting lost.

 Check your tyre pressure regularly - underinflated tyres are dangerous and can increase fuel consumption by up to 3 per cent.

If you are stuck in a traffic jam, switch off the engine - cutting the engine will save fuel and stop emissions.

For more energy saving tips, visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/transport or call our helpline on 0845 602 1425.