| Eco-Friendly Driving Hazard Awareness Planning ahead, travelling at correct speed, avoiding harsh braking and unnecessary stopping. Every time you stop and then start again in a traffic queue or in a meeting situation, the engine uses more fuel so produces more carbon dioxide. Keep an eye on the traffic ahead and slow down early by gently lifting your foot off the accelerator while keeping the car in gear. In this way, the traffic may have started moving again by the time you approach the vehicle in front, so you can change gear and keep the car moving. When the engine is idling you’re wasting fuel and adding to carbon dioxide emissions. If you’re likely to be at a standstill for more than 3 minutes, e.g. at level crossings or in longer traffic queues consider switching off the engine.
Progressive Acceleration Using the gas pedal smoothly. Modern car engines are designed to be efficient from the moment they are switched on. So revving up like a racing car driver only wastes fuel and increases engine wear.
Complying With Speed Limits 45 to 50 mph is the ideal efficient speed. Speed limits are the maximum lawful speeds which may be driven in ideal circumstance, and should never be exceeded. Staying at or within the speed limit increases driver safety. It also reduces carbon dioxide emissions and saves money on your petrol costs. At 70mph you could be using up to 9% more fuel than at 60mph and up to 15% more fuel than at 50mph.
Block Gear Changing Use the highest gear possible without the engine struggling. Using gears wisely by changing up a little earlier can also reduce revs. In a diesel car try changing up a gear when the revs reach 2000rpm.
Engine Braking Foot off the gas helps the car to slow down. Sometimes the use of the brake pedal is unnecessary. Keeping Tyres Pumped Up Could save 25% in fuel bills. Under inflated tyres create more resistance when your car is moving, which means your engine has to work harder, so more fuel is used and more carbon dioxide emissions are produced.Under inflated tyres increase carbon dioxide but over inflated tyres can be unsafe so check your car manual for the correct tyre pressure. Remember, a car with a heavier load may need different air pressure in the tyres. Check and adjust your tyre pressures regularly and also before long journeys. This will also help to increase the life of your tyres.
Moving Off Smoothly Avoid revving the engine. Co-ordinate the foot controls and use them gently. Removing Excess Weight Roof racks, luggage, etc. Clutter in your boot is extra weight your engine has to lug around. By removing it, you could reduce your engine’s workload. This will burn less fuel and cut your carbon dioxide emissions so unload any items you won’t need for your journey before you set out.
Parking Reverse into a space – manoeuvring when cold uses much more fuel.
Regular Vehicle Checks Servicing, tyres, brakes, oil. On Test Car Control 1 Move away smoothly 2 Use accelerator gently 3 Block gear changes and highest gear 4 Appropriate use of speed, avoiding harsh braking Planning 1 Hazard awareness 2 Engine breaking 3 Using reference points 4 Right place, right time, right speed
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