With the rising price of fuel, cutting fuel consumption can cut costs considerably. Renault provides some pointers.

• shift down at approximately 1 000 rpm
• shift up to the next gear at approximately 2 000 rpm in diesel engines and at 2 400 rmp in a petrol engine
• at 48 km/h, you should already be in fourth or fifth gear.

• Maintain as steady a speed as possible
• Brake with the engine and use your brake as little as possible; allowing the vehicle to slow naturally helps to reduce the fuel flow
• At 48 km/h in fifth gear, lift your foot off the accelerator 100 metres before a red light.

• up 48 km/h, it is preferable to accelerate briskly up to fifth gear
• at speeds in excess of this, acceleration should be restrained
• change gear very swiftly up to fifth gear.

• keep to the same speed when going down a hill
• on an uphill gradient, let the car lose speed, but without obstructing other road-users;if possible, maintain your vehicle at a steady speed above 40 km/h
• use descents to take your foot off the accelerator.

• turn off your engine if you stop for more than 30 seconds
• do not preheat your engine even in winter
• pull away as soon as the engine has fired up.

• check tyre pressures every month
• if you have to use the air conditioning, make sure the difference between the temperatures inside and outside your vehicle is not too great
• do not leave unnecessary loads in your vehicle
• remove roof bars and roof boxes when not in use
• proper servicing and proper use of your vehicle are as important as eco-driving.

• don’t drink and drive
• don’t talk or text on your cellular telephone while driving
• don’t allow yourself to be sucked into road rage
• obey the rules of the road
• service your car at regular intervals
• insure your car.