Ecological and Economical Driving

What are the benefits of eco-driving?

Lower fuel consumption
Lower exhaust emissions
Lower noise level
Less wear on tires and other car parts

Driving at a safe speed and low engine revolutions can reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions; tires and other parts will wear less, and noise levels will be lower.

When driving, you should choose a gear appropriate to the speed and driving conditions so that the vehicle does not start to slide, the engine is not overloaded or running at too high revolutions; drive smoothly and evenly in as high a gear as possible.

When driving, gears should be shifted up as high as possible so that engine revolutions do not exceed 2000 rpm;
Drive in as high a gear as possible and at the lowest engine revolutions consistent with the car's technical conditions.

Loud music can disturb and frighten wild animals, which may run out onto the road and cause a dangerous traffic situation.

How should you start driving in order to save fuel and drive more economically?

Start the car and drive immediately. Modern cars are designed to be driven immediately after starting, even in cold weather. Standing still with the engine running only prolongs its cold-running operation. However, you should drive at the lowest possible engine revolutions to avoid damaging the engine.

Exception – if the windows are frosted over or fogged. Then you may start the car, begin to defrost the windows, and drive only when visibility through the windows is good.

To drive a motor vehicle economically and sensibly, you must move off smoothly and evenly, slow the car's speed evenly where possible, and not perform drastic actions unnecessarily, except when necessary (for example, braking sharply when an unforeseen obstacle appears on the road).

How can you save fuel and reduce environmental pollution when driving in the city?

Reduce engine revolutions before stopping at an intersection or crossing;
Plan your route to avoid places where congestion may form;
Use public transport when possible.
Use the air conditioner only as much as necessary.
Use electrical devices only when needed.

Timely replacement of fuel filters reduces fuel consumption. Therefore, it is essential to replace the car's air filters, fuel filters and spark plugs, which have a significant effect on the car's engine. Timely replacement of fuel filters reduces fuel consumption.

Which factors do not contribute to environmental protection?

Idling with the engine on
Loud music
A leaky engine lubrication system
Carrying unnecessary luggage

When carrying unnecessary luggage, a motor vehicle consumes more fuel, so more environmentally harmful exhaust gases are emitted. When carrying a 100 kg load in the city, a car consumes about 0.5 l more fuel per 100 km.

Noise (music) coming from the car also harms the environment: it increases the overall ambient noise level and frightens animals.

Why is it essential to immediately repair a leaking exhaust pipe?

Parts of the exhaust pipe may fall onto the carriageway;
Dangerous gases may enter the car's interior;
A lot of noise is generated while driving.
A leaking exhaust system disturbs the driver, generates a lot of noise, and the hot gases flowing from the exhaust system may damage nearby parts of the car. Exhaust gases are toxic and may leak out through faulty joints. Broken-off parts may fall onto the carriageway.

What reasons may cause fuel consumption to increase when driving a car?

Low air pressure in the tires;
Driving with a luggage carrier attached to the car's roof;
Driving short distances, often stopping.

"Soft" tires are the most widespread factor directly affecting fuel consumption. Fuel consumption may be increased by up to 4% by both lack and excess of air. Pressure should be checked on cold tires, because driving warms the rubber and increases the pressure.

Due to air resistance, more fuel will be needed if you drive with a luggage carrier attached to the car's roof.

If you have to stop and start frequently while driving, fuel consumption will be higher.

Open windows and sunroofs reduce the car's aerodynamic properties – it starts moving slower, more energy is needed to maintain speed, so fuel is used less efficiently and more of it is needed.

How to choose the right speed when driving?

Accelerate evenly
Avoid sudden braking
Drive at a speed appropriate to the traffic situation
Do not exceed the permitted speed.

When carrying bicycles on the car's roof, air resistance increases; the car starts moving slower, more energy is needed to maintain speed, so fuel is used less efficiently and more of it is needed.

A sudden start is an excellent way to waste fuel, since when the accelerator pedal is pressed sharply, a greater amount of fuel is fed into the cylinders. Experienced drivers suggest increasing speed gradually. This can save up to 40% of fuel. Sudden braking should also be avoided.

When stopped for longer periods, switch off the engine. A running engine in a stationary car increases fuel consumption and pollutes the air. After 15 seconds of being stopped, switch off the car. When driving in the city, you will save up to 1 l of fuel per 100 km.

How else can you reduce environmental pollution and save fuel?

Use public transport more often;
Walk more often;
Cycle more often.

Although public transport also pollutes the environment, more passengers are carried at one time, so the consumption of fuel (or electricity) per person is significantly lower, significantly less noise is emitted, and roads are considerably less burdened.

What affects driving economy?

The car's aerodynamic properties
The condition of the ignition and fuel supply systems
Engaged gear (driving speed)
Road conditions
Driving style.

Through the exhaust system, toxic substances are released into the environment with the exhaust gases: carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO), and unburned hydrocarbons (CH). The total amount of toxic substances released with exhaust gases depends on the engine displacement, the quality of the combustion process, and the engine load.

The catalytic converter neutralizes (burns) harmful exhaust gases. In it, three toxic substances – carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO), and unburned hydrocarbons (CH) – are converted into non-toxic substances through oxidation and reduction processes.

When a vehicle is moving at high speed, the driver's field of vision decreases, so you may not have time to evaluate environmental factors. By driving at the recommended speed, you will notice changing traffic light signals and other road users earlier, which will help you avoid unnecessary stops.

Consider using alternative modes of transport instead of a personal car, because about 25% of all car trips are trips up to 2 kilometers, and 50% of trips are up to 5 kilometers.

Cycling and walking have a positive effect not only on the environment but also on your health and budget. Using public transport also helps to save money and reduce environmental pollution.

The most important rules of economical driving:

Calm acceleration. There is no need to race from intersection to intersection; it is advisable to avoid sudden braking just before a traffic light. If the red traffic light is on ahead, you may even coast up to the intersection. It is recommended to drive at a steady speed for as long as possible.
Distance. Drivers maintaining a safe distance can perform maneuvers on time and without irritating other road users.
Appropriate speed. A safe speed is not what is permitted, but what corresponds to the situation and circumstances.
Tire condition. To make driving economical, ecological and safe, much attention is paid to tire condition: they must correspond to the season and have the proper pressure.