The silver rules of ecodriving

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www.ecodrive.org: Home What is Ecodriving? The silver rules of ecodriving

SILVER RULES

Fuel-saving starts with choosing a low-emission car

Choose a fuel-efficient model with reduced CO₂ emissions. Diesel vehicles should always be equipped with particulate filters. A fuel consumption display helps you save fuel. Cruise control and an automatic gearbow can decrease fuel-consumption.

Avoid short car trips!

Cold engines need much more fuel per km than warmed-up enignes and cause equivalently more CO₂. On short trips the engine does not reach its optimum operating temperature, increasing wear and reducing durability.

Drive-off immediately after starting the engine; do not warm up the engine by idling
Switch-off the engine at longer stops (or use the automatic "start/stop") - when expected to stop longer than 20 seconds (ignition on)
Close windows when driving at higher speeds, as open windows increase dynamic drag and conume extra fuel
Use low friction oils and low energy tyres (EU labeling)
Check your car regularly and have it serviced to keep it "eco-fit" and also "safety-fit".
Consider alternative means of transport

Around 25% of all car trips are less than 2 kilometers and 50 percent of car trips are less than 5 kilometers in lenght. Choosing to cycle or walk does not only have positive effects on the environment but also on your health and budget. The use of public transport also helps you save money and avoid stress and exhaust gases. Consider seting up a car pool with friends/colleagues or try car sharing in order to save fuel and costs.

Golden Rules of Ecodriving

1. Anticipate Traffic Flow

Read the road as far ahead as possible and anticipate the flow of traffic. Act instead of react – increase your scope of action with an appropriate distance between vehicles to use momentum (an increased safety distance equivalent of about 3 seconds to the car in front optimises the options to balance speed fluctuations in traffic flow – enabling steady driving with constant speed).

2. Maintain a steady speed at low RPM

Drive smoothly, using the highest possible gear at low RPM.

3. Shift up early

Shift to higher gear at approximately 2.000 RPM.
Consider the traffic situation, safety needs and vehicle specifics.

4. Check tyre pressures frequently at least once a month and before driving at high speed

Keep tyres properly inflated as low tyre pressure is a safety risk and wastes fuel. For correct tyre pressure (acc. To loading, highest pressure and speed driven), check with car’s manual.

5. Consider any extra energy required costs fuel and money

Use air conditioning and electrical equipment wisely and switch it off if not needed. Electrical energy is converted from extra fuel burnt in a combustion engine, so electrical equipment doesn’t work “for free” – it always costs extra energy and money.

Avoid dead weight and aerodynamic drag.

More detailed information can be found here