Everything you need to know about eco-friendly driving
Driving with just a little more consideration for the environment not only gives you that quiet sense of wellbeing, it also provides something altogether more tangible – money saved. Just as you probably take steps to make your home or workplace more energy efficient by switching appliances off when not in use or insulating your loft space to keep the heat in, making some small changes to the way you or your employees drive and look after vehicles really will make a difference.
As well as installing specialist systems from a supplier such as Brigade Electronics, there are a number of techniques you can employ to make your driving greener, such as…
Maintaining your vehicles
Ensure engine efficiency is the best it can be by getting vehicles serviced as regularly as the manufacturer recommends. Use the correct grade of engine oil to keep things running smoothly. And check tyre pressure regularly, including just before setting off on long journeys – you’ll use more fuel if you drive on under-inflated tyres. Make sure you increase tyre pressures appropriately for heavier loads.
Better preparation before setting off
Are you travelling as lightly as you can? Any extra weight will add to your fuel consumption, so unless it’s necessary for a long journey, take it out. Look at the profile of your vehicle – is anything being carried on roof racks, like ladders or boxes of equipment? And if it is, can it be stored inside the vehicle? Otherwise wind resistance will be increased, and will mean more fuel is used.
When you’re ready to go, go. Don’t leave the vehicle idling as this will also consume more fuel. As the Department for Transport points out, don’t bother trying to warm the engine before leaving. You’ll do so faster when you’re on the move.
During your journey
Smooth, progressive acceleration will be easier on your engine, while reading the road ahead and anticipating braking points will help you maintain a steady speed. When you want to slow down, do so by first by releasing the accelerator and letting the engine braking do the work. Try to creep your vehicle so that it is always moving. You’ll use less fuel than you would by constantly stopping and starting.
Try to change into higher gears as soon as possible without labouring the engine; this will significantly cut the amount of fuel you use in the long run, so much so The AA says gear shift indicators will become additions to all car dashboards in the near future.
Using the air-conditioning is a sure-fire way to add to your fuel bills, so try to minimise its use by simply opening the windows on a hot day. However, if you do need to use it, try to do so when travelling at higher speeds. Try to run the air-con briefly at least once a week to keep it in good working order.
And finally, try to decrease the number of powered features you use in-vehicle. This will also help to lower fuel consumption.
Category: Sci Tech
