All the efficient driving techniques they are the careful control of a series of measures while driving that can help us reduce fuel consumption. By following these techniques, we can use our cars more efficiently and help reduce pollution levels.
In this article we are going to tell you about the different efficient driving techniques that exist and what their advantages are.
Characteristics of a responsible driver
In general, these are the characteristics of a responsible driver.
- You worry about the maintenance of your vehicle.
- Know and obey traffic regulations.
- Know the characteristics and possibilities of your car.
- Carry out vehicle inspections in accordance with the law.
- Understand the relationship between driving style and fuel consumption.
- You use your vehicle wisely.
Efficient driving techniques
The concept refers to a driving style that focuses on reducing fuel consumption. The goal is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the environment and reduce noise pollution.
Efficient driving includes a series of techniques and measures to avoid wasting energy while driving. Efficient driving not only helps reduce environmental pollution. It also directly affects our personal finances.
Much of the reduction in consumption is due to our behavior as drivers. Applying them is much easier if we understand the mechanics that make our cars consume more fuel. For example, we must know how to properly start the car and how to accelerate. Likewise, we must know how to use the brakes and always maintain a constant and sufficient speed.
What is preventive driving?
Preventive driving consists of the driver anticipating certain aspects related to his vehicle and his way of acting on the road. It is about planning routes and knowing the most congested areas.
Early warning of unforeseen events that may occur on the road will allow us to take measures to reduce imminent situations that will cost us more fuel. Clearly, efficient driving also affects improvements in road safety. This is because the driver is more active in situations that could lead to misuse of the engine.
All kinds of accidents can be avoided by keeping the recommended safety distance from other vehicles, slowing down and staying constant. Even speed helps with control and road safety. Respecting the maximum speed allowed, depending on the type of road, our gasoline consumption will be lower.
Technologies that help efficient driving techniques
- We have to start the engine without stepping on the accelerator and use the first gear to start the gear, then immediately change to second.
- Go in high gears with low engine rpm.
- To increase the speed, you have to do it gradually.
- Avoid braking abruptly. When you see an obstacle, you have to slow down. It is best to take your foot off the accelerator to avoid sudden braking.
- A correct forecast of the situation and a sufficient safety distance will prevent sudden braking and drastic changes in speed.
- We have to turn around to pay attention to the maximum field of vision within the road.
- Reducing the use of air conditioners can help save fuel.
- It is recommended to avoid unnecessary gear changes by keeping the RPM between 1.500 and 2.500.
- Check the tire pressure and the condition of the oil and air filters.
Recommendations
Depending on the type of motor, other aspects must also be considered:
- We have to wait a few seconds before starting the march with the diesel engine. In this way, the oil will correctly reach the lubricated area. It is not necessary to warm up the engine at standstill.
- For gasoline engines, the gear must be started immediately after starting. The warm-up is done during the exercise.
- For trucks or heavy vehicles, it is also recommended to start the engine without stepping on the accelerator and let it idle for one minute. Thereafter, accelerate smoothly with the engine still cold.
- For electric vehicles or vehicles that use biofuels, there is no problem with the fuel polluting the environment.
- Do not brake suddenly and speed up again.
- On slopes, use the engine brake if going downhill. You have to stop accelerating and let the car slide without downshifting. Never put the car in neutral, as this is dangerous and uses more fuel.
- At corners and roundabouts, we have to adjust the speed of the vehicle before entering. Take your foot off the gas and let the car slide. Adapt to the characteristics of the roundabout, such as the width of the lane, the size of the roundabout and if there are other vehicles on the way.
- We will try to drive in the highest gear possible and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles.
- During stops of more than 60 seconds, the engine must be switched off.
- If it is necessary to overtake, do it only when necessary.
- Driving with the windows closed reduces the consumption of the vehicle.
- Specific control of vehicle maintenance and tire pressure.
- Correctly distributes the load to reduce air resistance and instability.
- Avoid the use of roof racks or pay attention to proper installation.
Aspects to consider
So that the vehicle does not consume a single drop of fuel in excess, the following elements must be in perfect state of maintenance:
- Spark plugs (petrol cars) or glow plugs (diesel cars)
- Air filter
- Motor oil
- Fuel injector
- Gas emission control system
- Tires
An anomaly in any of these elements can cause increased fuel consumption, which can be very important if several elements are in a poor state of maintenance.
We emphasize the importance of tires in perfect condition: worn or punctured, in addition to losing grip, provide a larger contact surface with the road, thus increasing consumption.
In the market you can find some electronic devices to reduce consumption: let's forget about buying and installing them, because they have no effect. Those who work by limiting the power provided by the engine can get us into trouble if we find ourselves in a compromised position.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about efficient driving techniques and their advantages.