A driving expert and theory test preparation coach has urged drivers to do one thing to save money on fuel. Addressing not just learners, but experienced drivers too, she said this is something not many motorists know.
Taking to TikTok, Annie Winterburn, aka @theorytestpractice, said: "Here's something that loads of drivers don't realise. And if you did realise, you would save 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?"
Now, addressing learners specifically, Annie says that this could be a theory test question. So what's the answer?
She reveals: "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."
It's not just Annie who thinks this. Motoring experts at RAC Drive sound the same alarm. It explains: "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."
Another way to save fuel is to be wary of when you use cruise control. Experts at RAC Drive explain that this "only aids fuel economy when driving on a constant flat surface, hence why it is usually best reserved for motorway driving.
"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."
They add: "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."
What other things do you do to save fuel? Let us know in the comments.