Top ten tips for safer, greener, stress-free driving

It's called eco-driving - driving this way could save you an average of £120 a year in petrol or diesel. And with fuel prices rising all the time, eco-driving could save you even more in the future. Adopting an eco-driving style is easy. And once you've mastered it, not only will you start to make real savings, but you'll also be doing your bit for the environment. That's because eco-driving means driving your car more efficiently. Doing this means your car will produce less carbon dioxide, the main gas contributing to climate change. Remember to follow the steps below and you'll soon be saving money and reducing your car's impact on the environment.

2. Anticipate road conditions and drive smoothly, avoiding sharp acceleration and heavy braking. This saves fuel and reduces accident rates.

3. Use air conditioning sparingly as it significantly increases fuel consumption.

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

5. Remove roof rack when not in use - they increase drag significantly.

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

7. Stick to speed limits and make your fuel go further - the most efficient speed depends upon the car in question but is typically around 55 – 65mph. Faster speeds will greatly increase your fuel consumption.

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

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

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