Go green and save up to £1,000 Go green: motoring tips

Save money and cut your carbon footprint by switching to greener fuel and driving your car more efficiently.

Half of those questioned thought they'd struggle to pass a driving test

1. Greener driving

Follow our guide to greener motoring for easy ways to conserve petrol, reduce fuel bills and cut carbon emissions. Our green tips include:

• Cut your speed At 70mph, a car consumes 30% more fuel than at 50mph
• Be window-wise Open the windows instead of using gas-guzzling air conditioning, closing them altogether when driving at high speed
• Don’t brake suddenly Let the engine slow the car by lifting your foot off the accelerator early
• Lower revs The higher the revs, the more fuel you use, so aim for below 2,500 rpm (petrol) or below 2,000 (diesel)
• Steady speed The more consistent your speed, the lower your fuel consumption
• Accelerate gently Quick getaways from the lights uses up more fuel, so accelerate gradually

2. Consider a greener car

If you're looking for a new car, consider investing in a : a hybrid like the Toyota Prius (pictured) or Honda Civic Hybrid, a diesel such as Volkswagen's Blue Motion range, or even an electric car. You'll spend less on fuel, pay less for car tax and reduce your impact on the environment.

• Cost From £18,000 (new)
• Payback More than 10 years

3. Convert to LPG

If you're a heavy car user and keen to cut your petrol costs, you could consider converting your vehicle to LPG (liquid petroleum gas). This will cut your fuel costs by around 40% and you'll qualify for cheaper road tax – but expect to pay around £1,500-£2,000 to convert your car. Visit the Drive LPG website for more information and to find your nearest LPG filling station.

• Cost £1,500-£2,000
• Payback Two to three years

Car club cars are usually parked in designated bays

4. Join a car club

If you drive less than 8,000 miles a year, joining a car club could save you up to £3,500 a year. You pay to join a club then hire a car on a pay-as-you-go basis. Car club schemes include Streetcar and City Car Club.

• Cost Annual fee £50-£60; each journey calculated on a pay-as-you-go basis

5. Use alternative transport

Ask yourself whether it's necessary to use your car on every occasion. For short journeys, walking is a free, green and healthy way of getting from A to B. And for longer journeys, coach companies National Express and Megabus offer one-way intercity fares from £1. Cheaper train tickets are also available through websites such as The Trainline if you plan your journey in advance.