The way you drive has a big effect on how much fuel you use. Smooth, planned driving can noticeably cut your fuel bill, reduce wear on your car and lower your emissions, and it usually makes you a safer driver too. These are the eco-driving habits our instructors teach, whether you drive a petrol car, a hybrid or an electric vehicle.
Drive smoothly
- Accelerate gently. Hard acceleration uses much more fuel than a gradual build-up of speed.
- Look well ahead and anticipate. If the lights ahead are red or traffic is slowing, ease off the accelerator early and coast rather than braking hard at the last moment.
- Keep a steady speed. Constant speeding up and slowing down wastes fuel. On highways, use cruise control where it's safe.
- Keep a safe following distance. A 3-second gap gives you time to respond smoothly instead of braking suddenly.
Watch your speed
Fuel use rises quickly at higher speeds because of wind resistance. Sticking to the speed limit, and driving a little below it on the highway when conditions allow, saves fuel and keeps you safe.
Look after your car
- Check your tyre pressure regularly. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and fuel use, and wear out faster. You'll find the recommended pressure on a sticker inside the driver's door or fuel flap.
- Service your car on time. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently.
- Remove extra weight. Don't carry heavy items you don't need.
- Take off roof racks and bike carriers when you're not using them, because they add drag.
Use air conditioning wisely
Air conditioning increases fuel use, especially in stop-start traffic. At low speeds around town, opening the windows can be more efficient. At highway speeds, open windows create drag, so air conditioning set to a moderate temperature is usually the better choice.
Avoid unnecessary idling
An idling engine uses fuel and goes nowhere. If you're waiting for more than a minute or so when it's safe and legal to do so, switch the engine off. Many newer cars do this automatically with start-stop technology.
Plan your trips
- Combine errands into one trip, because a cold engine uses more fuel than a warm one.
- Avoid peak-hour traffic where you can.
- Use a navigation app to pick the most efficient route and avoid getting lost.
- For short trips, consider walking, cycling or public transport.
Hybrids and electric vehicles
The same habits help if you drive a hybrid or an electric vehicle. Smooth acceleration and anticipating stops let regenerative braking recover more energy, which extends your range. Our lessons are in modern automatic cars, so you'll learn the smooth, anticipatory style that suits both petrol and electric vehicles.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most effective way to save fuel while driving?
Drive smoothly. Accelerate gently, look well ahead so you can ease off early and coast instead of braking hard, and keep a steady speed.
Is it better to use air conditioning or open the windows?
At low speeds around town, opening the windows can be more efficient. At highway speeds, open windows create drag, so air conditioning set to a moderate temperature is usually the better choice.
Does tyre pressure affect fuel use?
Yes. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and fuel use, and wear out faster. You'll find the recommended pressure on a sticker inside the driver's door or fuel flap.
Eco-driving is safer driving
Looking well ahead, keeping a safe gap, driving at a steady speed and avoiding harsh braking are the same habits that keep you safe on the road. Learning them early makes them second nature.
If you're under 25, each hour with a licensed NSW driving instructor counts as 3 hours in your log book, for up to 10 hours of lessons. That's up to 20 bonus hours.
See our driving lesson prices or read our guide to defensive driving.