Drive Green with Eco-Driving Tips

Hybrid cars use up much less fuel than conventional vehicles, and produce much less harmful exhaust fumes that can potentially harm the environment. If you drive the latter, however, don’t fret – there are still many ways for you to reduce your car’s fuel consumption (and money!) By proactively saving fuel, you are helping to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and being kinder to the planet. In the long run, your green driving habits can have a positive impact on climate change. Here, we would like to present some helpful eco driving tips that you should always keep in mind when you’re on the road.

Preparing For Your Drive

One of the best ways to ensure fuel efficiency is to plan your trip before you start a drive. Map out the fastest route to your destination, and check traffic conditions so that you can bypass any congestion. You will save fuel from travelling shorter distances, and from less idling in stop-and-go traffic.

Make it a habit to check the contents of your boot before you start your drive. Shed any unnecessary items or tools that you may have stashed in the trunk. Driving with 100 kilograms of excess weight actually cause a loss of 3% in fuel efficiency, so remove that deadweight in your backseat!

Another great way to manage your fuel efficiency is by conducting regular checks on your tyre pressure. Driving with underinflated tyres with insufficient air pressure not only accelerates the rate of wear and tear, but also causes your car to spend much more fuel. Tyre manufacturer Michelin also estimates that underinflated tyres can directly increase a car’s fuel consumption by up to 6%.

The last thing you should check before embarking on a drive is to check your air-conditioner. Simply adjust or set your air-conditioner to run at the temperature it is outdoors. This quick trick reduces the energy consumption required to cool the insides of your car, and can help you to reduce fuel usage by up to 12%!

Starting Your Drive

The keys are in ignition, you’ve adjusted all the mirrors, and you’re good to go. When you start your drive, however, be sure to do so at a relaxed pace. When you begin accelerating, increase your speed slowly, getting up to 20 kilometres per hour in at least five seconds. Doing so can boost fuel efficiency by up to 10%. As you continue along your drive, maintain a constant, safe speed as much as possible. Keep your distance from drivers ahead of you and avoid tailgating – the acceleration and deceleration involved with doing so actually creates unnecessary fuel consumption! If you have to slow down at a traffic light, release your accelerator ahead of time, so that you can use free-wheeling to your advantage.

Ending Your Journey

You’ve reached your destination, and it’s time to look for a place to park. Always remember to respect parking rules and regulations, and avoid leaving your car in spots that can potentially block traffic or other lots. When you’ve successfully parked your vehicle, turn the engine off immediately and don’t leave it idling – doing so can waste additional fuel.

Performing all the tips above during each use of your conventional vehicle will aid you in fuel conservation. Go through these steps to check your fuel efficiency as often as you can, so that you will always use less fuel and practice sustainable eco driving!