Eco-driving refers to an energy-efficient driving style that helps decrease the impact of burning fuel on the environment. In addition to reduced exhaust emissions, eco-driving helps save on fuel costs, keep a car running longer, and improve the traffic culture. Thus, it is one of the practices encouraging sustainable mobility.
Eco-driving techniques
- Drive smoothly
Hasty acceleration and braking increases fuel consumption and can wear down the car. Slamming the brakes can also trigger the ABS in unnecessary cases, harming the brake performance.
- Keep a steady speed
Changing speed back and forth can increase fuel consumption quite remarkably. Whenever it is safe, maintain a steady speed and consider using cruise control.
- Remove extra weight
The heavier the car, the more fuel it consumes. Although modern cars are lighter in weight, carrying heavy equipment might still impact fuel consumption. Therefore, check if there are any items that you could remove from the car.
- Check tyre pressure
Even a small loss in tyre pressure has a significant effect on fuel consumption. For energy-efficient driving, check the tyre pressure regularly.
- Avoid idling
Letting the car idle for more than 10 seconds uses up more fuel than turning it off and on again. When not on the road, turn off your car if you can foresee a longer idling time.
- Optimize your trips
Combine multiple drives, plan your routes and stay tuned to traffic reports to avoid the jams. Route optimization helps reduce idling, braking, and shorten the time of driving. Thus, contrary to the common assumption, eco-driving can also save time.
It takes time and practice to get used to eco-driving. But once acquired, it works in favour of the environment, the car and the driver’s wallet.
