Eco driving money saving - part 2
As the name suggests, it means driving your car more efficiently, so producing less carbon dioxide (CO2) - the main gas contributing to climate change. A lot of the ideas are common sense if we stop to consider them:
- Anticipate road conditions and drive smoothly, avoiding sharp acceleration and heavy braking - this saves fuel and reduces accident rates.
- Use air conditioning sparingly as it significantly increases fuel consumption. - Change up your gears before 2,500 rpm (petrol) and 2,000 rpm (diesel). - The most efficient speed depends upon the car in question but is typically around 55 to 65 mph; faster speed greatly increase your fuel consumption. - Drive away immediately when starting from cold - idling to heat the engine wastes fuel and causes rapid engine wear.
- Accessories such as roof racks, bike carriers and roof boxes significantly affect your car's aerodynamics and reduce fuel efficiency, so remember to remove them when not in use.
- Avoid short journeys: a cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel and catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective.
- Plan your journeys to avoid congestion, road works and getting lost.
- Check your tyre pressure regularly - under-inflated tyres are dangerous and can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%.
- If you do end up stuck in a jam, switch the engine off if you expect to be there for more than a minute or two; cutting the engine saves fuel and reduces emissions.
In short, while many of us behind the wheel enjoy the occasional bout of speed and freedom, the essence of cost-efficient driving is eco-centric, rather than ego-centric.
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