Lexus of Blackburn

Tips for more efficient driving

Try these simple, fuel-efficiency driving tips to save money from fuel use and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions produced by your car
every day.

Drive in high gear

Your car engine runs most efficiently in high gear (around 1500 to 2500 rpm, lower in diesel-run cars), so change up through the gears as soon as you can. Automatic cars shift up gears more quickly if you ease back on the accelerator once the car gathers momentum.

Drive smoothly

Braking and accelerating back up to full speed uses more petrol than driving at a consistent speed. Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking by driving at a good distance from the car in front, so you can anticipate and travel with the flow of traffic.

Turn your engine off instead of idling

Minimise fuel wasted in idling by turning off the engine whenever your car is stopped or held up for an extended period of time (even as little as 30 seconds). Having the engine switched off even for a short period will save more fuel than is lost from the burst of fuel involved in restarting the engine.

Reduce your speed

Slow down! At 110 km/h your car uses up to 25% more petrol than it would cruising at 90 km/h.

Reduce your drag

Additional parts on the exterior of your car - such as roof racks (and the things you put on them), spoilers and having the window open - can increase 'drag' and how much petrol you use by more than 20%.

Look after your tyres

Inflate your car tyres to the highest pressure recommended by the manufacturer (including your spare) and ensure your wheels are properly aligned. Looking after your tyres will not only reduce your fuel consumption it will also extend tyre life and improve handling.

Use the air-conditioning sparingly

Car air conditioning uses around 10% extra fuel. But at speeds of more than 80 km/h, air-con use is better for fuel economy than an open window. Make sure that your air conditioning is properly serviced to prevent the leaking of CFCs from the seals.

Travel light

The more a vehicle carries, the more fuel it uses so don't carry more cargo than you need to and clear out your boot. An extra 50 kg of weight can increase your petrol bill by around 2%.

Service your vehicle regularly

Keeping your vehicle well tuned will mean it is operating at its most efficient, which means it will use less petrol.