Efficient driving
November 1st, 2019Each of us behind the wheel of a car has a style in the way we drive. Our customs can increase spending on fuel, tires and even the premature deterioration of our vehicle.
However, sometimes we wonder why another person with the same model of vehicle can keep it in better condition and spend less on fuel and parts, this is due to "efficient driving".
Efficient driving or also called eco-driving is a new model of conscious driving, which is governed by a series of simple and effective rules that try to take advantage of the possibilities offered by current car engines. This aims to achieve low fuel consumption, regardless of whether it is diesel or gasoline, which in turn reduces air pollution caused by carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In addition to the savings we have on fuel, this practice avoids stress and reduces risks on the road.
An aggressive driving style affects the driver's calm and makes their journeys inefficient, for example, wanting to go further than one can, avoiding, braking, retaking, generates stress, which in many cases can be avoided.
What relationship does the level of stress have with the risk of accidents? The situations that generate anxiety in our body produce a hormone called Cortisol, which at high levels increases our blood pressure, resulting in a series of consequences that affect the ability to drive, such as rapid breathing rate, high irritability, decreased our response and self-control capabilities and many others that can cause serious health problems. The disorders that stress can generate both in the body and in the mind while driving increase the risk of accidents, making driving a dangerous activity.
The Institute for the Diversification and Saving of Energy of the Government of Spain mentions that "the efficient driving of industrial vehicles consists of a series of new techniques that, together with an adequate attitude of the driver, give rise to a new driving style that achieves important fuel savings and reduction of emissions into the environment, as well as an improvement in safety”.
At Transportes Pitic we care about the environment, likewise, one of the most important engines is our staff, for this reason, we care about constantly investing in their training, promoting good practices such as efficient driving, so that in addition, every four months we carry out recognitions for our drivers evaluating the performance of diesel, tires, kilometers traveled, accidents and fines.
The European Automobile Commissariat (CEA) makes us aware of a series of recommendations so that all motorists carry out efficient driving that represents the most economical possible, is friendly to the environment and, in turn, is safer and with more comfort.
1. START-UP AND START-UP:
• Start the engine without stepping on the accelerator.
•In gasoline engines start driving immediately after starting.
• In diesel engines, wait a few seconds before starting to move.
2. FIRST GEAR:
• Use it only for the start of the march; change to 2a after approximately 2 seconds or 6 meters.
3. ACCELERATION AND GEAR CHANGES:
• Depending on the revolutions:
o In gasoline engines: between 2,000 and 2,500 r/min
o In diesel engines: between 1,500 and 2,000 r/min
• Depending on the speed:
or at 2nd gear: at 2 seconds or 6m
or at 3rd gear: from about 30 km/h
or at 4th gear: from about 40 km/h
o 5th gear: above about 50 km/h
• Accelerate after making the change.
4. USE OF GEARS:
• Drive as much as possible in the highest gears and at low revolutions.
• It is preferable to circulate in high gears with the accelerator pressed to a greater extent than in low gears with the accelerator less pressed.
• In town, whenever possible, use 4th and 5th gear.
• The car consumes less in high gear and at low revolutions. For example, a small displacement car (1.2 liters), traveling at a speed of 60 km/h.
• In 3rd gear, it consumes 7.1 liters of gasoline,
• In 4a, 6.3 liters (a 11% less),
• In 5th gear, only 6 liters (a 15% less).
5. CIRCULATION SPEED:
• Keep it as uniform as possible; seek fluidity in traffic, avoiding unnecessary braking, acceleration and gear changes.
• Moderate it: fuel consumption increases as a function of speed squared. An increase in speed of the 20% (going from 100 to 120 km/h, for example), means an increase in consumption of the 44% (from 8l/100 km to 11.5l/100 km).
6. DECELERATION:
• Lift your foot off the accelerator and let the vehicle roll with the gear engaged at that moment.
• Brake gently with the brake pedal.
• Downshift as late as possible, paying special attention on downhills.
7. DETENTION:
• Whenever speed and space allow, stop the car without first downshifting.
8. STOPS:
• In prolonged stops (over 60 seconds), it is advisable to turn off the engine.
9. ANTICIPATION AND FORESIGHT:
• Always drive with an adequate safety distance and a wide field of vision that allows you to see 2 or 3 vehicles ahead.
• As soon as an obstacle or a reduction in traffic speed is detected on the road, lift your foot off the accelerator to anticipate the following manoeuvres.
10. SECURITY:
• In most situations, applying the rules of efficient driving contributes to increased road safety.
• But obviously there are circumstances that require different specific actions, so that security is not affected.
In addition, circulating in any gear, without stepping on the accelerator, and above 1,500 r/min, or about 20 km/h, consumption is nil!
If you are a motorist or professional driver, keep these tips in mind, we are sure that you will love saving fuel, you will live more relaxed and you will also contribute to a healthier environment.