Eco-driving

Members are tuning into the benefits of ‘eco-driving’ – driving in a more environmentally-friendly way that uses less fuel, thereby reducing carbon emissions and saving money.

‘There are a number of ways to drive in a more eco-friendly fashion, many of which are simply good driving practice,’ says Jonathan Newell, one of our transport experts.

• Defensive driving is anticipating what’s coming on the road ahead and what other drivers are going to do – this avoids the need for sharp breaking and acceleration.
• Getting in a higher gear as soon as possible will lower fuel consumption: the higher the gear, the lower the engine revs.
• Air-conditioning can increase fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent so it is advisable to use it sparingly.
• Inflating tyres to the correct pressure uses less fuel: underinflated tyres create more resistance against the road, thereby using up to three per cent more fuel.
• Unnecessary luggage or roof racks will add extra weight and use more fuel. Filling a car up with fuel also adds extra weight and reduces fuel efficiency; it is greener to avoid filling a tank to the brim.
• Sticking to speed limits means slower driving, and slower driving means using less fuel.
• It is not necessary to press the accelerator when starting a modern car. Similarly, it is wasteful to rev the engine when stationary.
• An idling engine uses fuel, so when the car is stationary for more than two minutes it is better to turn off your engine.

More fuel can be saved by walking rather than driving journeys that are within walking distance.

In the United States the idea of eco-driving has been taken a step further with ‘hypermiling’, pioneered by Wayne Gerdes. It uses all the techniques involved with eco-driving to maximise fuel economy, with some added extras that are not endorsed by motoring organisations as they present safety risks. One of these is shutting off the engine so the car is coasting on long, straight roads (this can be dangerous as the brakes will not be as effective with the engine off and gears can’t be used to slow down the vehicle). Another technique is not braking when taking corners to avoid having to accelerate after taking the turn – the dangers associated with this technique are self-evident.

‘There are now hypermiling contests, and even a Fuel Economy World Championships to see who can get the most miles-per-gallon (MPG) on a selected course,’ says Jonathan. For more information on how to get the most mileage from your vehicle – or tips on purchasing a new, more eco-friendly car – call to speak to a member of our transport team.