Drivers have been warned to not make an error which could cost them more money (Image: Getty)
A driving expert has revealed a little-known trick that could slash fuel bills for millions of motorists. Former driving instructor and theory test coach, Annie Winterburn, says the simple technique is something many drivers overlook, even though it could save them serious money.
Taking to TikTok, where she’s known as @theorytestpractice, Annie said: “This is something loads of drivers don’t realise. But if they did, they’d be saving money.”
The former driving instructor explained: « If you drive smoother, so you accelerate more gradually, and you look well ahead, and you see what’s happening, then just come off your accelerator pedal to gradually slow down. Gradually building up speed, gradually reducing speed – that can save fuel. It can save quite a lot of fuel, actually. If you do that, you could save yourself about 15% in your fuel costs. See what can you achieve if you drive smoothly? »
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If you are taking your theory test soon, it is actually crucial that you know this. Why? Annie noted this could appear as a theory test question – and the answer is that smooth driving will result in a « reduction in fuel consumption by about 15%.
« So drive smoother, stop racing away and slamming your brakes on. Look well ahead, plan well ahead. And you will save yourself money overall. »
This advice is echoed by motoring experts at RAC Drive, who recommend: « The best advice is to drive as smoothly as possible, gently using the steering, accelerator and brakes. When slowing down, it’s important to remain in gear as the fuel cut-off switch in a fuel injection engine is then activated, meaning virtually no fuel is used while braking. »
Cruise control warning
Drivers hoping to squeeze more miles out of every tank are also being urged to think twice about when they use cruise control. RAC Drive warns the feature only really saves fuel when driving on flat, steady roads – which is why it’s best kept for motorway journeys.
The body notes cruise control « only aids fuel economy when driving on a constant flat surface, hence why it is usually best reserved for motorway driving. »
It adds: « One of the keys to saving fuel is driving at a constant speed. Cruise control can do this effectively on flat surfaces, making your driving as fuel-efficient as possible by negating unnecessary acceleration. If you were to use your cruise control regularly, not on flat roads, you would encounter problems that would increase your fuel consumption.
« This is because your cruise control would be slower to react to gradient changes, meaning when reaching the brow of a hill – at which point you would normally take your foot off the accelerator to maintain more of a constant speed when descending – your cruise control will keep the power on for a little longer as it’s unable to see the gradient change in front of you.
« Driving in this way regularly would lead to worse fuel consumption. Interestingly, the most fuel-efficient roads in the country are not quiet extra-urban dual carriageways or 20mph city streets, they are motorways. This is where you can leave the car in top gear and gently cruise along, using minimal fuel. »
