Car dealership Dace Motor Group has urged drivers to imagine a cup of tea sitting on their passenger seat as a way to save fuel. The company warns that harsh acceleration and heavy braking can burn unnecessary fuel.
Instead, they recommend a smoother driving style with more forward planning to reduce fuel consumption on every journey. Looking further ahead and easing off the accelerator earlier so the car can roll towards a queue or traffic lights could help lower fuel use.
Why rolling saves fuel
Less fuel is used when rolling towards a stop than when coming to a complete halt and then having to restart the car. Dace Motor Group suggests picturing a full brew in a teacup on the passenger seat that must not be knocked over as a way to achieve a smoother drive.
This analogy encourages drivers to think twice about slamming on the brakes or rushing to a red light, as doing so would spill the hypothetical tea. Driving with more care and caution is also said to put less pressure on tyres and brakes, helping to preserve the general wear and tear of the vehicle.
AA eco-driving advice
The AA states that while fuel consumption can depend heavily on the car you buy, drivers can take steps to save fuel. The breakdown cover company encourages drivers to slow down earlier when approaching traffic lights or a queue, which might mean they do not have to fully stop.
In an AA staff eco-driving trial conducted a few years ago, statistics showed that following their driving advice helped staff cut their weekly fuel bills by 10%. An AA spokesman said: "Drive smoothly, accelerate gently and read the road ahead to avoid braking unnecessarily."
"Decelerate smoothly by releasing the accelerator in time, leaving the car in gear. Stopping then starting again uses more fuel than rolling. Slow early for traffic lights or approaching a queue and you might not have to stop completely."
