Tips to save the pennies while driving

As oil prices reach a 2.5 year high, motoring Brits are being hit hard in the pocket, so it's surprising that almost half do not practice ecodriving, and are missing out on the multiple benefits that it offers.

A poll carried out in January 2011 by Staysure.co.uk, the over 50s experts, found that 38 per cent of over 50s had never even heard of ecodriving let alone put it into practice on the road.

One in ten say they know about ecodriving but refuse to practice it, a shocking figure when ecodriving can save drivers between five and 15 per cent off their fuel bills*. Adopting a safer style of driving not only reduces wear and tear on vehicles but also reduces emissions making ecodriving a green choice.

Eco-driving minimises the use of both brakes and accelerator, so driving is more smooth and less energy is wasted. See ecodrive.org for more information.

Jon Kirk, general manager for motor and home insurance products at Staysure.co.uk, said "Whilst it's good to see that half of over 50s drivers practice ecodriving, we still have a long way to go to make the remaining 49 per cent aware of how changing their driving habits could save hundreds of pounds per year".

Staysure's top tips include:

Keep your air conditioning and heating use to a minimum - it certainly makes a difference to petrol consumption.

Checking your tyre pressures regularly will not only ensure that you're safer but will also cut petrol consumption.

Buy smart - there are plenty of petrol price comparison sites that will tell you the cheapest station in your area. If your average tank costs £60 or more it is certainly worth checking the pennies per litre, whether you're a diesel or petrol user.