subject: Eco Driving Tips For The New Year [print this page] With gas prices on the rise again, everyone is looking to save at the pumps. Eco driving is a way to save money and help reduce pollution in our environment.
What is Eco Driving?
Eco driving is a driving style that reduces fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and accident rates. It can be achieved by following some simple, everyday driving tips.
Eco Driving Tips
Just by following these tips you can improve fuel economy, prevent accidents and help the environment.
1. Starting Off
Unnecessary weight makes the engine work harder and added cargo on top of your car reduces aerodynamics and will impair fuel economy.
* Remove excess weight from inside your vehicle and travel light
* When going on a trip, avoid piling a lot of luggage on the roof rack
Bypassing congested routes can lead to less idling, fewer start-ups and less stop-and-go traffic.
* Consolidate trips and avoid traffic problems by planning ahead
Modern engines today do not need a warm up, which helps avoid prolonged idling, increase emissions and wasted fuel.
* Start the car immediately and gently drive away
* Do not leave your car idling
* Turn the engine off in non-traffic situations, such as at bank and fast food drive-up windows, when idling more than 30 seconds
Behaviors such as speeding, quick acceleration and hard stops can increase fuel consumption by up to 39 percent.
* Accelerate smoothly from a stop and braking softly to conserve fuel
2. While Driving
Driving with the windows open at highways speeds increases aerodynamic drag on the vehicle and lowers fuel economy.
* Do not drive with the windows open unless your keep your speed under 50 miles per hour (mph)
When you shift lanes to pass another car, acceleration is necessary which leads to increased fuel consumption. Driving fast, weaving in and out of traffic and hard braking wastes fuel and can quickly wear out car components, such as brakes and tires.
* Stay in the same lane as far as possible
Driving more than 60 miles per hour (mph) burns more fuel. EPA estimates that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph can reduce your fuel economy by 10 percent.
* Slow down and watch your speed
3. Maintenance
Service and check your engine by changing the air filter, spark plugs, engine oil and other fluids, as outlined in the owner's manual, to ensure you get optimum performance and fuel efficiency. And do not forget about your tires because they play a big role in keeping you safe and maintaining good fuel economy.
*Check your tires and keep them properly inflated to the recommended tire pressure
*Keep wheels aligned
Become an Eco Driver Today
Eco driving helps everyone have a better experience, from saving on gas to saving the environment. One gallon of gas produces 19.4 pounds of CO2, so by driving eco-friendly it keeps money in your wallet and CO2 out of the air we breathe. You can take responsibility for your actions, save our environment and gas money by following simple eco driving tips.
