Ecodriving

Ecodriving

• Anticipation : anticipate changes or obstacles in the traffic will avoid useless braking or hard acceleration. The driving will be smoother and it is easier to keep a constant speed as much as possible as hard acceleration and braking can increase fuel consumption.
• Shifting to higher gear quickly: The ideal is to drive to the highest gear as possible given the speed. The aims is to drive at the optimal and low engine rotation speed to avoid unnecessary fuel consumption, when it is possible as safety should be first priority. Some cars have a system to warn you when it is best to shift. The shift to higher gear should be done around approximately 2000 tr/min. If the car has an automated gearbox, avoiding sport mode will reduce fuel consumption.
• Use engine braking: If it is necessary to slow down, decelerating by releasing the acceleration pedal and then using the engine braking (by changing the gear down) is better than braking if the situation allows it. Besides, it mitigates brakes' abrasion. In some situations of deceleration phases, it can be also useful to switch to freewheeling to not lose too much speed when an obstacle is relatively far. It still consumes fuel but less than staying in a certain gear position and brake when the obstacle is close.
• Respect speed limits: besides hindering safety, driving at higher speed consumes more while the time gain is not as significant.
• Avoid energy intensive tool use: such systems should be used with caution and only when necessary. It includes air conditioner or heating seats. 
• Avoid idling more than 30 seconds: When stopping more than 30 seconds, it is better to shut down the engine. Besides, it is not necessary to let the engine warm up in winter before driving.

• Check the tyre pressure: Consumption increases with a pressure that is too low. The manufacturer provides instructions related to the ideal tyre pressure.
• Avoid unnecessary weight: adding weight increases the fuel consumption during trips. It Is then best to avoid any useless additional weights while driving. Roof racks or bike racks for example should be removed as they hinder the aerodynamic of the vehicle and increase rolling resistance. The energy efficiency of the vehicle will thus increases. 

• Choose the vehicle wisely: ecodriving begins with the vehicle choice. It is important to find the vehicle with the optimal size and weight that meets your need. Avoiding an oversized vehicle will avoid an unnecessary greater fuel consumption.
• Consider alternative transport modes, if possible: based on the STOP principle, other transports, such as biking or public transport, can have better environmental and health impacts. The offer could meet your general needs in terms of mobility. If not, carpooling could be another option to reduce air quality and budget impacts.