Get more miles for your money.

ILIKE to think ofmyself as a green driver. I ditch the car whenever I can and always try to beat the manufacturer''s official fuel consumption figures. But am I really driving as efficiently as I think? No, it seems I'm not. According to the Wirral-based Energy Saving Trust, there's a whole lot more I could be doing to save fuel, money, and the planet with every mile I drive.

They're challenging every motorist in Merseyside to take the new Smarter Driving Challenge - testing their driving skills on a specially-designed simulator and looking at the results with expert energy advisors.

Steve Lang, Manager of the Energy Saving Trust advice centre Merseyside and Cheshire, said: "Our smarter driving game is designed to educate people about eco-driving.

"They can try out their current driving style and get instant feedback from our advisors to help them use less fuel next time they're on the road.

"Plus it's good fun. We hope everyone comes along to have a go."

Next week, Mayor of Wirral, Andrew Hodson, will be taking the Smarter Driving Challenge along with the Mayoress and two of his drivers.

By following the Energy Saving Trust's smarter driving tips, drivers can expect to save the equivalent of one months worth of fuel every year.

In the image and speed-conscious world of motoring, it's easy to think there's nothing sexy or fast about hypermiling, the so-called 'art' of eco driving.

Perhaps that's why hypermilers (who started off in the States, where it quickly spread) have been derided as boringly eco-conscious car owners who prefer their granola crunchy and their sandals paired with socks.

But their driving techniques has a point: by taking their foot off the gas, not slamming on their brakes and coasting rather than flying into traffic jams, they cut down on their gas mileage, some by as much as 30%. Not only do they cut carbon emissions, they save pounds 400 a year on fuel, a blessing with or without a recession.

And now the UK government has cottoned on to eco driving, too. So much so, in fact, that hypermiling is now part of Great Britain's driving test. They call it "driving smart".

The idea is simple: just like when you ride a bicycle, your car operates more smoothly and efficiently when it maintains its momentum.

The more you stop and start, the less fluid mobility you create and the slower you arrive at your destination.

New drivers have been touted as the easiest to convert into "driving green", says the AA, which offers Drive Smart courses to help road-users cut an average of 10-15% from their annual fuel bill.

Steve added: "In the current climate, smarter driving makes perfect sense. "Simple actions such as checking your tyre pressure and making sure you're not carrying excess weight in your car means you will use less fuel when driving.

"It's better for the environment, you'll save money and it's safer too." * The simulator is touring Merseyside, starting at the Pyramid Centre, Birkenhead on August 7, 8 and 9.. www.energysavingtrust.org.uk FUEL TIPS BY following these tips, you can expect to save one month's worth of fuel every year:. Don't rev the engine too hard when you're moving off from standstill. Use the clutch more effectively.

. Change gear at 2,000rpm, or 2,500rpm on motorways.. Use all your car's gears. If you're not stopping anytime soon, use fourth and fifth.. Anticipate better. The key to fuel-efficient driving is driving smoothly. Roll up to roundabouts, traffic lights and junctions while in gear, the aim being to time it correctly and not stop unless you need to. Coasting to a halt in gear is a big fuel saver.

. Make sure your car is well looked after. Under-inflated tyres increase the rolling resistance between the tyres and the road, causing you to use more fuel. Change your air filter annually and ensure your engine is working effectively. Fuel companies claim you will get more miles from a tank of (more expensive) premium-grade fuel. This is said to improve engine combustion and enable the car to run more efficiently.

. Stick to the speed limit. Driving just 5mph over the limit can affect fuel consumption by 23%. The ultimate speed for fuel efficiency is 45-50mph.

. Remove clutter. A box of maps and tools all add up. Things left in the boot and unused roof-racks make a heavier car and poorer fuel consumption.

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DRIVE BETTER: Hypermiling helps your wallet and the planet by getting the most out of every drop of fuel