8 Tips For Eco-Friendly Driving

First time pass today-for Larissa. Passed at Bromley test centre.

We are all getting more aware of our environment, and thus, people are trying to find ways to minimize their carbon footprint. For new drivers in Beckenham, adapting to eco-friendly driving not only means a healthier planet but also increased fuel efficiency to save money in the long run. Following are some helpful eco-friendly driving tips that can be considered by the learners:

1. Smooth Acceleration and Braking

The easiest way to drive more efficiently is to even out your driving style, meaning accelerate and brake smoothly. Quick acceleration tends to guzzle a lot of fuel, while hard braking may result in the loss of converted energy and raise the wear and tear on the car. Instead, try to build up to your speed gradually and anticipate stops. Not only does this save fuel, but it also contributes to a far more comfortable ride for all the occupants of the car.

2. Drive at a Constant Speed

This is because cruise control on highways and major roads can help your car move at a constant speed, which is a plus for fuel efficiency. However, be wary of using cruise control in hilly areas since it may force the engine to work harder, which means it consumes more fuel. Try as much as possible to maintain your speed without unnecessary fluctuations.

3. Avoid Idling

It wastes fuel and creates unnecessary emissions. If you find you are waiting for more than a minute, shut off the engine. It will also help keep your car much longer, along with preserving the environment.

4. Proper Tire Maintenance

Keeping your tires correctly inflated can massively improve fuel efficiency. If tires are under-inflated, they tend to roll with more resistance and subsequently affect fuel consumption. Check pressure regularly in tires, and use manufacturer-recommended pressure levels. You might also want to consider routine tire rotation so that wear is evenly distributed.

5. Plan Your Routes Wisely

Before you leave, plan routes to avoid busy areas and reduce time in transit. Using GPS apps for traffic allows you to avoid jams and give your attention to more efficient routes. Consider carpooling with friends or family since this keeps fewer cars on the highway.

6. Reduce Air Conditioning

While cool air conditioning may make driving in hot days more bearable, it surely increases fuel consumption. So, when possible, just open your car’s ventilation system or lower the windows instead. In any case, use the AC as little as possible.

7. Remove Excess Weight

Extra weight in a vehicle reduces fuel economy. Remove things that you do not need in your car as these lower the weight. Also, remove roof racks or carriers if not in use because these also create aerodynamic drag that reduces fuel economy.

8. Use the correct Gear

For manual drivers, there is an optimal gear to be used in order to achieve good fuel efficiency and performance. Higher gears should be used as soon as possible with a minimum of straining on the engine, since running on lower gears utilizes more fuel. For automatic drivers, make sure your driving mode fits in with the driving condition, as most modern vehicles have an eco-mode.

Integrating such eco-friendly driving habits will help new drivers in Beckenham clean up the environment as they build their skills behind the wheel. Yes, these practices will reduce fuel consumption and consequently lower carbon dioxide emissions, but they will also offer smoother and safer driving experiences that are stress-free. As you start driving, remember: one small change makes all the difference to Mother Earth. Happy driving!