Top 10 Green Driving Tips

1. Accelerate smoothly and brake gradually. This single rule can save a lot of fuel. You will be surprised if you adhere to this rule.

2. Drive at the posted speed limits. This is a tip that will help save fuel as well as lives.

3. Don't be an aggressive driver. Fast starts, weaving in and out of traffic, accelerating unnecessarily and braking hard does not save much time and your car ends up sipping more fuel, not to mention the wear and tear on other parts such as your tyres and brake pads. Keep it smooth for a better drive.

4. Check your tyres. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy. They also wear more rapidly. Keep tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure - this alone can reduce the average amount of fuel use by 3-4 percent.

5. Don't idle for more than 30 seconds. Today's engines don't need to be warmed up. Prolonged idling creates excess emissions and wastes fuel. Start the car and immediately drive away.

6. Don't drive at higher speeds with windows wide open. It decreases vehicle aerodynamics on highways and lowers fuel economy.

7. Maintain your vehicle. A properly tuned-up engine will run more efficiently. Keep the wheels aligned. Wheels that are fighting each other waste fuel.

8. Replace air filters as needed. Consult the owner's manual for the recommended schedule.

9. Avoid piling a lot of luggage on the roof rack. This reduces aerodynamics and can reduce fuel economy by up to 5%. If possible, avoid the use of a roof rack all together because it also alters the vehicle's center of gravity and drastically changes the driving dynamics.

10. Use good quality oils with the viscosity grade recommended in your vehicle's manual. Stick to popular brands and avoid being stingy on the cost, because the outcome could cost you a lot more than a few extra rupees for a good oil brand.