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Eco Driving

Too Much Mouse Work?

Tørrede tranebær

Using a Startup Page

(c) 2003 - 2007, Peter B. Nielsen

Eco Driving

This article is based on a short feature I saw in the news on TV a couple of years ago and on my own experience gathered since then.

Important:

Any accidents and unforeseen events caused by applying the techniques or principles provided in this article are not my responsibility. Common sense and driving skills cannot be replaced with Eco Driving.

So what is Eco Driving (ED)? First what it is not; it is not the same as replacing the standard fuel with garlic oil or whatever. ED is about driving your car economically and thereby getting a better mileage.

ED was conceived by Ford and Mazda years ago. Some might say that it is probably the best thing ever to leave Ford. I agree with this statement in the way that ED is a good tool for reducing emission of CO2, NOX and other environmentally harmful gasses.

So how do you practice ED? Simple

  • Accelerate moderately to the desired speed.
  • Keep the rev count below 3000 rpm during accelerations and when cruising.
  • Maintain a constant speed.
  • Shift to the highest possible gear accommodating the speed.
  • Avoid applying the breaks when slowing down. Also do not step on the clutch. Just let the car go without stepping on the gas pedal. Stepping on the clutch and letting the car go by itself consumes a lot more fuel compared to when the clutch is not depressed. This way it is the wheels that drive the engine and not the other way around.
  • Look ahead while driving and try to predict the other driver's infantile manoeuvres. This also means, that you should keep your distance to cars in front of you and not let pushy drivers from behind force you to accelerate.
  • Check the tire pressure regularly. Driving with too low pressure may consume up to 5% extra fuel.
  • Remove unneccessary items from the car. Driving with excess weight consumes extra fuel as the engine has to work more.

Does ED work? Yes, it does. My car is rated at 12.3 km/l. But my own estimate is that it is closer to 12.7 km/l. Since I started practicing ED I have enjoyed mileages as good as 14.0 km/l. However, my ED-average is somewhere between 13.0 and 13.5 km/l.

If you wish to learn ED you can take a course or just learn by doing as I am. For courses you will have to go to either Sweden or Germany. I have not yet heard of any courses in Denmark.