Saving energy in transport is not only possible, but it is also necessary. Did you know that the transport sector accounts for around 40% of the country's final energy consumption and emits more than 20% of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere responsible for climate change?
Although it is best to try to get around by public transport, on foot or by bicycle, if you absolutely must take a car, adopting good driving habits can improve these figures.
How to save energy through efficient driving?
Being a good driver is not only about reaction time or agility when manoeuvring, but now it is also necessary to know what efficient driving is.
To save energy while driving, you need to adopt new habits. There have been innovations in the vehicles that are not taken into account in the 'traditional' way of going.
How can you drive efficiently?
• To start the march: in gasoline cars, it must be done immediately. In diesel, wait a few seconds.
• When starting the engine: do not press the accelerator. It avoids wasting energy.
• When driving: to optimize fuel, it is better to move in the highest gears and at low revs, even in the city, and always respecting the speed limits.
• To change gear:
• In gasoline engines, it is recommended to change gear when reaching 2,000 - 2,500 rpm. In diesel engines, running between 1,500 and 2,000 rpm.
• You must change from second to third starting at 30 km / h; from third to fourth, from 40 km / h to fifth when we drive above 50 km / h. It is essential to accelerate slightly after shifting.
• Moderate speed: when you exceed 100 km / h, fuel consumption multiplies.
• To slow down: instead of braking, it is better to take your foot off the accelerator and let the vehicle roll in gear.
• If braking is necessary: do it smoothly and progressively, downshifting as late as possible. However, whenever possible and there is sufficient distance, it is better to stop the car without first downshifting.
• Maintain a safe distance: in addition to providing safety, it allows anticipation in braking, which will be smoother.
• If you're going to stand still for a long time, the better for the engine.
It is also important to note that vehicle maintenance influences fuel consumption. Therefore, in addition to applying efficient driving techniques, it is necessary to carry out periodic reviews of the car. Monitoring the engine's excellent condition, levels, filters, and tire pressure influences fuel consumption and increases safety while travelling.
It is not efficient driving:
• Wait stopped with the engine running. It does not provide advantages, and it only consumes energy.
• Drive using first gear, which is indicated only for starting. You must change to second as soon as possible or once you have travelled six meters.
• Driving in neutral, or hitting brakes, accelerations, and changes when it is unnecessary, fuel is wasted.
Some curious figures about driving
Did you know…?
• Driving at more than 20 km / h with a gear engaged, fuel consumption is zero if you do not press the accelerator. In contrast, at idle, the car consumes between 0.4 and 0.9 litres/hour.
• A single car at 4,000 rpm makes the same noise as 32 cars at 2,000 rpm.
• If you transport objects outside the vehicle, more excellent resistance is generated and greater fuel consumption occurs.
• Driving with the windows down is not recommended because it creates more drag and consumes more.
• Using air conditioning significantly increases fuel consumption: a temperature of 23-24ºC is recommended to achieve a feeling of well-being.
Leave a reply
Your email address will not be published. required fields are marked *
{{comments.length}} Comments
{{ comment.name }}
{{comment.datetime}} Reply{{comment.message}}
{{ comment.name }}
{{comment.datetime}}{{comment.message}}