facebook

The advantages of eco-driving in the present day scenario

With air pollution becoming a big concern globally, the concept of eco-driving is becoming quite significant for drivers at all levels. Statistics indicate that 5 million people across the EU use road transport, and it generates close to 2% of the total GDP.

Get Prices 085 118 1111

While roadways are the lifeblood of the European economy through the countries, carbon emissions and energy efficiency remain a major concern. The exhaust from fuel-driven vehicles is a major contributor to the problem of carbon emission as for every litre of petrol combustion, 2.2 kilograms of Carbon Dioxide is produced.

With the European target of 80% CO2 emission reduction by 2050, eco-driving will play an important role throughout Europe. In addition to being beneficial for the environment, eco-driving can be very significant to service companies with field technicians and the economics of optimizing routes.

With a business strategy built around eco-driving, service companies can achieve actual savings and strengthen the company’s brand image on environmental issues, which are increasingly important today.

What can be achieved by the driving style known as “eco-driving”?

Adopting the practices of eco-driving offers numerous benefits to a driver. Some of the major points are highlighted below.

Fuel Consumption and Climate Protection

Eco-driving training leads to consumption reduction up to 20% directly after training and about 5% in the long run. The European Climate Change Programme calculated a reduction potential of Eco-driving of at least 50 million tons of CO2 emissions in Europe by 2010, saving a good amount of money. With concerns about the environment a top priority in most countries, the practice of eco-driving can enhance the image of any brand in the marketing arena.

Local Environment and Health

Eco-driving reduces noise pollution as well as local air pollution. The engine noise of one car driving with 4000 rpm (revolutions per minute) equals the engine noise of 32 cars at 2000 pm. Thus, Eco-driving reduces one of the main problems of traffic in urban areas. Eco-driving also emphasizes keeping a more significant amount of distance from the car ahead. This results in safer driving practices and more minor accidents.

Optimize vehicle maintenance schedules

Well-maintained vehicles consume less and are less likely to break down. They also improve driver safety. Switching to smoother driving through eco-driving reduces strain on vehicles. It also helps keep vehicles in good condition.

Beyond maintenance, eco-driving makes the driver responsible for road risk. As mentioned, road accidents are the leading cause of workplace fatalities. Smoother and more proactive driving helps to reduce the number of traffic accidents.

Although there’s no official number, there’s often talk of a 10 to 15% drop in accidents. That means service companies can play a key role in mitigating road risks and benefit from fewer claims against their fleet.

Passenger Comfort

Eco-driving involves a smooth use of the accelerator, steering, transmission, and brakes, which results in better comfort for the passengers. It also reduces the overall driving fatigue and stresses that a driver experiences. On the whole, the practice of eco-driving results in happier and more responsible drivers.

Improved Performance of Engine over time

The eco-driving practices are ideally suited for modern engines and help them perform efficiently for a more extended period. In addition, it is also suitable for the tyres and the brake assembly of the car. This, in return, will help in the reduction of the maintenance cost per vehicle.

Less Car Carbon Emission

Eco-driving presents an energy-efficient style of driving that reduces the overall carbon emission from the car. There is also the added benefit of the vehicle producing less amount of noise. Eco-driving propagates the use of lower engine rpms and less acceleration, which helps to reduce the overall noise levels by a lot.

The Steps Involved In The Practice Of Eco-driving

Once we have discussed the answer to what can be achieved by the driving style known as “eco-driving,” let us look at some practices that eco-driving involves. Some simple rules are termed the “golden rules” of eco-driving, and we will discuss them in the following section.

Step 1

The first rule advises drivers to keep the right amount of distance from the nearest vehicle and keep a close eye on the traffic flow to minimise the use of brakes. It calls for the drivers to anticipate the road conditions and the action of other drivers as much as possible.

Maintaining a minimum distance between the cars to 3 seconds will allow a driver to conserve momentum in the best possible manner and provide sufficient reaction time.

A simple way to follow this is by stepping off the accelerator while the traffic is slowing down. Driving smoothly without any sharp acceleration and heavy braking is the key.

Using the car’s momentum by letting the car roll is another effective way followed in eco-driving practices. This will vary from one car model to the other and will depend on the manufacturer’s suggestions. We provide detailed driving lessons Dublin has to offer.

Step 2

This step advises the drivers to drive smoothly at a low rpm with the highest gear possible. Driving at high speeds along with high rpms increases the fuel consumption of the vehicle drastically, and hence the use of cruise control is recommended whenever possible.

The data gathered by the Automobile Association (AA) in the UK indicates that a car moving at a speed of 136 km/h uses almost 25 percent more fuel than another moving at 112 km/h. It is always prudent to use a sensible gear ratio that enhances fuel economy.

Step 3

The third step recommends shifting to a higher gear by approximately the 2,000 rpm mark. Depending on the traffic situations and the vehicle conditions, early shifting is highly recommended. While driving on flat roads, shifting to 5th gear at 50 km/h and 6th gear at any speed above 60 km/h is advised.

Full throttle acceleration is never recommended, and while driving uphill, a suitable gear should be selected to minimize the pressing of the acceleration to its fullest extent. Skipping gears can be beneficial for saving fuel while accelerating rapidly.

Step 4

Make sure that all the tyres of the vehicle have the optimum pressure as advised by the vehicle manual. A deflated tyre will increase the frictional resistance while driving and thereby increase the overall fuel consumption. Check the tyres before any long drive, as low tyre pressure is a safety risk.

Step 5

You should avoid any dead weight in your car and remove any object that increases the overall drag coefficient. You can remove the roof racks when they are not used and use air conditioning sparingly to improve the fuel economy.

Other Useful Tips in EcoDriving Practice

In addition to these leading suggestions, some other tips are an important part of the eco-driving practice.

  • A short trip on your car does not allow the engine to reach its optimum operating temperature and thereby impacts the fuel consumption and the overall engine durability.
  • Cold engines also require more fuel per km than warmed-up engines.
  • Do not waste your time idling an engine as it wastes fuel. Driving off immediately after starting the car will help the engine to warm up more quickly while in action.
  • For most modern engines, it is best to turn them off when the stopping period is more than 20 seconds. This time limit indicates the break-even period when the fuel saved by turning off is more than the fuel needed to re-start the engine.
  • Close the windows while driving at higher speeds to reduce the drag resistance of the car.
  • Plan your car trips so that you can avoid traffic congestions and choose the most effective route.
  • Make sure that you service your car as per the manufacturer’s recommendation to remain energy efficient. Proper alignment and balance of the car components, along with the use of the right oils that are low-friction in nature, will enhance the overall efficiency of the vehicle.
  • Statistics reveal that 25 percent of all car trips are less than 2 kilometers in length, and around 50 percent are less than five kilometers. You should use alternate means of transport like walking, cycling, public transport or car-pooling whenever possible. Using such standards will not only help the environment, but a physical activity like cycling will help you to stay fit.

Conclusion

After going through this article about what can be achieved by the driving style known as ‘eco-driving,’ you might feel that the practice will slow you down when you are in a rush. This idea is not accurate, as studies have shown that eco-driving takes the same time and even less than traditional driving.

The small changes in eco-driving can significantly impact the environment when used by drivers from all around the country. Not only is it good for your car and your wallet, but it also contributes a lot to make your area free from environmental pollutants.

So search out the nearest eco-driving training centre near you and enlist for the next course to take your driving skills to the green level.

Still looking for a reliable Driving School?

Kevin Horgan Driving Instructor

Here at National Driving School we are positioned to take you and your driving needs to the next level.

We have elevated ourselves to become a household name and the leading provider of driving lessons in Dublin

Get Prices 085 118 1111

Car Hire for Driving Test

Why Choose National?

  • Arrive on time, Everytime
  • Pick-up & Drop-offs
  • Clean & Modern Cars
  • Flexible Booking Times
  • Fully Qualified Instructors
Find out more
Pretest Driving Lessons

Need Help?

If you need any help choosing lessons or general questions you can get in touch.

  • 30 Years Experiance
  • Male & Female Instructors
Contact Us

Get Rules of The Road PDF

Enter your details below: