The Institute of Advanced Motoring (IAM) says that driving behaviour changes will do more to reduce CO2 levels than proposed tax hikes.

According to research from the IAM, vehicle excise duty changes that aim to reduce carbon dioxide emissions will have little impact unless drivers change, too.

As an example, the IAM says that even the most economical and environmentally friendly vehicle can be poorly driven, negating any proposed reductions in tax. You can, however, save fuel easily by following this simple advice:

• Check your tyres. Twenty per cent under-inflation can mean an increase of around three per cent in fuel use
• Do you really need an icy cold blast? Air-conditioning can up fuel consumption by as much as ten per cent
• Calmer driving offers a possible fuel saving of around 15 per cent
• Take the bus or bike. In the first two miles you use up to 100 per cent more fuel than in subsequent miles

• Save weight. Unless you’re driving across a desert, is there any need to carry a full tank of water? Leave the accessories you haven’t used in twelve months, at home.
• Take it easy. The most economical speed for most motorhomes is between 55mph and 60mph. Every 5mph over the optimum will result in a ten per cent loss in fuel economy.
• Cruise up hills in the correct gear, not necessarily the lowest. The most economical range of revs is between 2000rpm and 2250rpm
• Cruise control is economical for steady speeds on flat roads, not hills.
• Fill up at night. You get slightly more fuel for your money at lower temperatures. Or look for busy petrol stations during the day – fresh fuel is more efficient that the stuff that has been in the pumps for a while.
• Get your engine serviced regularly, so it’s working at it’s optimum.
• Stay closer to home and you could save money on your motorhome insurance, too, by lowering your annual mileage.

Caravan Guard also states that if you never venture off the British Isles you can request the European cover is removed from your policy in exchange for a saving.

The other option is re-tuning or engine remapping. We recently discovered a company with experience in commercial vehicles, where even a saving of one per cent can make a dramatic difference in fuel costs.

Obviously, you will only achieve lower fuel consumption figures with re-tuning when you take it steady.

This article was originally published in MMM Octobert 2008 issue. If you've enjoyed it why not treat yourself to a copy of the magazine or order a subscription so you never miss an issue.

For more practical motorhoming advice, please read our other Get Practical articles.


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