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Whenever taking the car, adopt sustainable driving habits, more efficient, ecological and safe. In doing so, you take advantage of your car abilities, optimize consumptions, reduce pollution and noise. You will surely have a safer and more peaceful voyage. Have a pleasant journey using the following tips and enjoy their benefits.
- Plan the road trip. By doing so, you will spare 5% of the total expenses.
When planning the road trip, choose the best route possible, considering the characteristics of the road and the traffic. Choose the hours with less traffic. The short and fastest routes are not always best option. For better efficiency, consider factors such as distance, traffic, slope and the road conditions.
2. Take with you only what you absolutely need, by reducing the car load , you may spare up to 3%.
The heavier your car is, the more fuel it consumes. Take with you only the things that you absolutely need and avoid too much weight in the trunk and back seats.Avoid carrying stuff in the car roof, in order not to avoid alter the car’s aerodynamic profile and further fuel consumption. This alteration may be responsible for an of 5% increase in the fuel consumption.
3. Drive immediately after starting the engine.
The ideal for a sustainable driving is to start the engine immediately before initiating the trip. Turn off the engine whenever the car will be immobilized for more than a minute.
4. Use the AC only when necessary.
The air condition system may consume up to half a litre fuel per hour. In the beginning of each trip, it may represent an increase of about 10% in fuel consumption. If the trip is short, avoid connecting the AC.
5. Drive at constant and smooth. You might save 15% of the total fuel.
Drive at a steady speed and, above all, avoid accelerations and deaccelerations. To avoid sudden braking, keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and around you and try to anticipate their moves. By distancing your car from the vehicle ahead, you avoid sudden braking (or even an accident) if it breaks suddenly. Adapt your speed to the surrounding traffic and avoid changing lanes.
6. Comply with the speed limits, avoiding an increase in the fuel consumption
If you keep your vehicle within the speed limits you economize your fuel and contribute to road safety. An 10% increase in speed may cause a 15% increase in fuel consumption.
7. Use correctly the gear box and save about 10% of fuel.
By using the higher gears, you get a lower engine rotation, which means less fuel consumption. Control the RPM (rotations per minute) in the dashboard and change gear frequently.
In steep slopes, break with the engine (reducing gears), for more safety and less consumption.
8. Before starting the trip, check the tyre pressure . Using the correct one (designated by the car maker), may be equal to a 3% fuel saving.
If their pressure is too low, the tyres will wear out faster by lateral wear and the fuel consumption will increase. If the pressure is too high, the tyres wear in the centre and there will be less grip. The correct pressure may lead to a 3% saving). Remember to check the tyre pressure regularly, maybe monthly.
9. Follow your maintenance Schedule and pay attention to the engine oil level and quality. You may be rewarded with 3% savings.
Performing the necessary maintenances is essential to keep the car running smoothly and allows for a safe driving.
10. In your final destination, avoid taking the car for short rides.
If you opt for walking or riding a bike, you will save fuel and contribute to your wellness.
11. Even in leisure trips, try sharing the car with others.
12. If you drive an electric car, use the regenerative braking.
Electric cars are equipped with a regenerative braking system. All you have to do is take the foot off the barking pedal when deaccelerating or downhill. The electric motor stores the kinetic energy produced by the vehicle, transforming it in electric energy and stores it in the car battery, allowing for the battery to charge while moving. The purpose of this system is to increase the car’s autonomy while circulating. The more kilometres you drive, the bigger the autonomy, and less recharging stops.