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GENERAL DRIVING HINTS
In these days of busier and busier roads and mounting concern over so called “global warming” it is every driver’s responsibility to drive as economically as possible, as well as with concern over the environmental impact caused by his or her vehicle. With this in mind I have decided to add, on a regular basis, hints and tips that will help new and experienced drivers.
ENERGY CONSCIOUS DRIVING
- When
you start a car do not leave the engine idling until it has warmed up.
This increases engine wear and fuel consumption.
- Having
started your car drive away as soon as possible keeping your speeds
moderate through the gears until the engine has reached its normal
operating temperature.
- Do
not accelerate and brake unnecessarily as this style of driving
significantly increases fuel consumption.
- Drive
in the highest gear you can for the speed you are doing. In many cases you
can change into 4th gear at speeds as low as 30 mph.
Driving in 4th gear at speeds of between 30 and 50 mph is about
25% more fuel efficient than driving in 3rd gear at the same
speeds. Driving in 5th gear in the 44 to 56 mph speed
range is about 15% more fuel efficient the driving in 4th gear
at those speeds!!
- High
engine revs increase engine wear and fuel consumption so do not race your
engine or drive too fast in individual gears. If you have a tachometer
(rev counter) endeavour to maintain an engine speed of between 2000 and
3000 rpm in each gear and maintain as steady a speed as possible.
- Frequent
starting and stopping, such as in traffic hold ups, greatly increases fuel
consumption so plan routs to avoid congestion. If you cannot avoid traffic
queues, keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front so that
you can avoid frequent braking and acceleration.
- High
speed driving uses up a great deal of fuel. By driving at no more
than three quarters of maximum speed you will use up to 50% less fuel
without adding a great deal of time to your journey.
·
Switch off air
conditioning systems, heated rear windows, headlamps etc. when they are no
longer required. All electrical systems consume power and this increases fuel
consumption.
ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION
Be conscious of the environment when driving by reducing noise and exhaust emissions.
·
When moving off do not use high revs.
Screeching away and spinning your wheels is costing you money by wearing your
tyres, it increases fuel consumption, is not eco-friendly and creates excessive
noise.
·
Select the next highest gear as soon as
possible. Driving at high revs increases emissions and fuel consumption.
·
Drive steadily without unnecessary braking and
acceleration.
·
As speed increases so does noise from your
tyres and engine but from speeds as low as 44mph tyre noise is the most
significant! According to Vauxhall Motors “ a vehicle travelling at
93mph(150km/h) causes just as much noise as FOUR vehicles travelling at 62mph
(100km/h) or TEN vehicles travelling at 44mph (70km/h)”
Be conscious of the environment when servicing
your vehicle. If you service your car yourself then
be very aware of the damage that used oil can inflict. Some very poisonous
chemicals are produced when engine oil is subjected to the intense heat
generated within vehicle engines. DO NOT POUR OIL AWAY DOWN DRAIN HOLES,
visit the local Council run tip which should have an oil disposal facility.
