Do you know how to consume less gas by driving your car and therefore emitting less CO2 into the atmosphere as well as saving money? We give you some practical advice and indicate the potential savings of virtuous driving behavior.
Drive calmly, without accelerating and braking hard
First of all, it is totally useless to warm up the engine with the vehicle stationary, neither at idle nor at high speed: the engine in fact warms up slowlier, increasing consumption, emissions and wear.
Accelerating gradually is certainly a way to save fuel, as well as shifting to a higher gear as soon as possible: in fact, 'pulling' the gears and 'pushing' the engine to achieve brilliant acceleration leads to a significant increase in consumption. You should also consider driving using the eco-friendly settings if your car has them.
Maintaining a moderate speed helps to limit fuel consumption and emissions, since fuel consumption increases exponentially with increasing speed.
If you drive carefully and smoothly, avoiding sudden braking and unnecessary gear changes, gradually decelerate by releasing the accelerator pedal and keeping the gear engaged, CO2 emissions will certainly be lower. Even the strokes of the accelerator when stopped at traffic lights or before turning off the engine are totally useless and consume a lot of gas. Stop the engine as soon as possible, in a queue, at a traffic light, or in a parking lot.
Check the tires and schedule a regular maintenance
Good tire pressure maintenance helps saving money. Checking the pressure at least once a month and before long journeys helps to limit fuel consumption; in fact low tire pressure significantly increases fuel consumption because the rolling resistance becomes greater. In such conditions, moreover, the tire is subject to faster wear and deterioration in performance. Additionally, taking proper care of your tire will help avoid issues that might require emergency roadside assistance.
The same applies to the ski rack or parcel rack, they must be removed after using them, and in any case, use them only in case of need, because it is better to carry larger objects in the trunk, with the help of the rear seat folded down; this keeps the vehicle, as much as possible, in its original state and saves gas.
Do not travel with the car full of luggage, because the vehicle and its set-up strongly affect fuel consumption and vehicle stability. Remember that it is forbidden to exceed the maximum total weight of the vehicle which is indicated in the vehicle registration document.
Don't overuse the air conditioning
This too has a small, but in the long run, tangible impact in terms of consumption. If you are traveling at low speed (below 50 km / h) then it is better to open the window a little.
When traveling at high speed, for example on the highway, traveling with the windows open negatively affects the aerodynamics of the vehicle and, consequently, fuel consumption.
Limit the use of electrical devices
Not everyone thinks about it, but even using electrical devices only when needed limits consumption.. The heated rear window of the vehicle, the additional headlights, the wipers, the heating system fan, absorb a significant amount of electricity, and consequently increase fuel consumption.