With the August holidays underway for many, some will be jumping into their cars and heading off on a well-earned staycation. For those who have not switched to an electric vehicle and are still driving a petrol or diesel car, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI ) has some tips to help you drive more efficiently. This will help you use less fuel, reduce your emissions and also stay safe, not only this weekend but all the time.
Fuel consumption tends to be affected most by your driving style, excessive rapid acceleration, unnecessary short trips, a cold engine, poor car maintenance and incorrect tyre pressure. A less aggressive, energy conscious driving style could save as much as 10 per cent on your fuel costs.
Regualar Maintenance: This tip applies all the time but is especially important ahead of a long journey or a motoring holiday. A properly maintained petrol or diesel car will have; good engine lubrication, wheel alignment and well-adjusted brakes, reducing your fuel use. It will also mean the car is safer and more reliable.
Check Tyre Condition and Pressure: Be sure to check tyres regularly. Tyres in good condition, with the proper thread depth, and at the right pressure, improve both safety and fuel consumption. Tyres that are 10 per cent below recommended pressure increase fuel consumption by around two per cent.
Read the Road: By watching the road ahead and anticipating any likely problems, driving will become smoother, more controlled and be safer for all. Drive in as high a gear as is suitable to road conditions and at bends, reduce speed gently and accelerate smoothly when halfway through to help reduce fuel use.
Avoid Idling: Once turning the engine on, drive off gently without delay. This will reduce excessive fuel consumption and pollution. Even if waiting only 30 seconds, it is more economical to switch the engine off and start it again when necessary. Incidentally, many newer cars have an automatic stop/start function.
Reduce Unnecessary Drag: After arriving safely at the destination, make sure to take off any unused bike racks or roof boxes and save as much as 20 per cent on fuel costs. Save a further three to five per cent by using the car’s air-conditioning to cool down rather than leaving the windows open while driving.
Avoid Short Journeys: A cold engine uses significantly more fuel than a warm engine. So, on reaching the destination opt to walk or cycle wherever possible and avoid using the car for short journeys.
