The starting point of eco-driving is a regular maintenance and tuning programme for your car.
Know that the lowest emissions are between the speeds of 60 and 100km/h
Driving at 110km/h uses up to 30% more fuel than driving at 80kp/h
Don’t leave the car idling to warm up – drive off straight away. Catalytic converters take 10kms to become fully operative.
Get your ‘Cat Checked’.
Plan your journey so as to avoid traffic black spots, high volume peak traffic, road works, getting lost (Satellite Navigation)
Try to use Park ‘n Ride facilities where available.
Don’t park where it causes congestion. Congestion = more fuel.
Short journeys, less than 3kms, pollute more because the engine is cold, approx 50% more per km.
Check your tyres for Wear ‘n Air. Keep tyre pressure to recommended inflation and reduce fuel consumption as well as keeping your car safe.
Remove roof racks when not in use – Don’t leave roof boxes on after holidays
Keep the car boot free of unnecessary clutter, i.e. weight. Extra weight = extra fuel
If stopped in traffic for more than 1 minute, turn off the engine. Restarting uses less energy than 10 seconds of idling.
Turn off air-conditioning and heated screens when not required.
Use good Observation and sound Judgment of Speed and Distance to reduce hard acceleration or braking. Be smooth.
Enroll on a Driving Road Fitness Course with IAMI
These tips can save you up to 25% on your fuel.
Institute of Advanced Motorists of Ireland http://www.iami.ie/
