What is eco-driving?
Eco-driving means driving in a way that reduces your fuel consumption and creates fewer CO2 emissions and air pollutants. Here are 10 actions you can take which contribute to eco-driving:
1. Avoid sudden acceleration and sharp breaking
Your fuel consumption and carbon emissions can be significantly reduced by adopting a smooth and steady driving technique, which means avoiding sudden acceleration and sharp breaking, where possible. Maintaining a steady speed, staying alert to anticipate and adapt to changes in the flow of traffic, and keeping your distance from the vehicle in front, all help with this technique.
2. Use a higher gear where possible
Another eco-driving technique to improve fuel efficiency is to use a higher gear whenever possible. Staying in a low gear for too long when driving at higher speeds, means the engine has to work harder, which uses more fuel. If your car is fitted with a gear shift indicator, follow its recommendations for up and down shifts.
3. Plan your route in advance
By planning the route and timing of your journey in advance, you can potentially avoid heavy traffic, congested routes and roadworks. Using handsfree GPS or navigation apps can help you find the best routes and avoid lengthy hold ups. Continuous stopping and starting in slow-moving traffic uses more fuel and creates more CO2 emissions.
4. Travel light where possible
If your car is carrying a heavy load, it puts more strain on the engine and that leads to higher fuel consumption, especially when travelling at speed. Where possible, reduce weight by removing anything from your car that doesn’t have to be there. A roof rack, roof box, bike rack, etc, increases drag and creates wind resistance, which also uses more fuel.
5. Keep your car well-maintained
Regular car maintenance is very important for eco-driving. Regular maintenance checks and an annual service keeps your engine tuned for efficiency and your car running well.
6. Check your tyre pressure
Don’t forget to regularly check and, where necessary, adjust your tyre pressure. Maintaining the correct pressure can extend the life of your tyres, as well as save you money on fuel. If your tyres are under-inflated, your engine has to work harder which uses more fuel and creates more CO2 emissions.
7. Limit the use of electrics and air-conditioning
All your vehicle’s electrics, such as rear window heaters, de-mister fans, headlights, etc, consume energy, so turn them off when you don’t need them. The air conditioning system can increase fuel consumption, so try to use it sparingly. When travelling at lower speeds, open windows and make use of the car’s ventilation system.
8. Don’t leave your engine idling
An idling engine wastes fuel and adds to CO2 emissions. When you first start your car, drive off soon after starting, rather than staying stationary whilst the engine warms up. If your car has an automatic start/stop function, then using this will save you money on fuel and reduce emissions.
9. Understanding your car’s eco mode
Using your car’s eco mode can improve fuel economy, which in turn leads to fewer harmful emissions. Eco mode limits acceleration, so it puts less pressure on the car engine and can help you to achieve a smooth and steady eco-driving technique. Eco mode also puts less demands on the car battery by lowering the air conditioning output and seat heating, and dimming interior lights. Eco mode is ideal for city driving, but you may wish to turn it off when driving at higher speeds, as it can make acceleration feel slightly less responsive.
10. Choose a fuel-efficient, low-emission car
If you’re thinking about changing your car, look for a fuel-efficient model with reduced CO2 emissions. Car manufacturers should have the average fuel consumption specifications for the vehicle you are looking to purchase. The average fuel consumption figures are measured in litres per 100 kilometres (l/100 km) or in miles per gallon (mpg). Features such as cruise control and an automatic gearbox can help to decrease fuel-consumption. You could also consider opting for a hybrid or electric model, which generally have lower emissions and are more fuel-efficient than traditional petrol or diesel vehicles.
Whether it’s planning your route in advance, developing a smooth and steady driving technique or simply keeping your car well-maintained, now that you have an understanding of the actions that contribute to eco-driving, you’re ready to keep driving sustainably well into the future.
Calculate your carbon emissions
You can find out how much CO2 your car produces in a year, by using our handy carbon calculator here.
Electric vehicle insurance
If you’ve made the switch to an electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, we can help you find the right cover for you, and ensure that you’re charged and ready to go. See our full range of benefits for electric car insurance.
Electric vehicle home charger grant
The SEAI offer a grant of up to €300 towards the purchase and installation of an electric vehicle home charger unit. Find out more here.
