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There are several practices that can reduce fuel consumption, Acceleration and deceleration are the two main factors that use the most fuel.
Smooth Throttle Control - When you change gear try to use as little as revs as possible. There should only be sufficient revs to prevent the car stalling until the gear change is complete. When resting on a bank pulling away, try and apply the handbrake as much as possible before revs are added. Some Bodies claim this will save 1 month of fuel a year if correct revs are applied when accelerating and decelerating.
Ideal Driving Conditions - The only person who can determine if the roads are safe to drive on is the driver. You, as the driver of your vehicle should know which conditions you drive best in. Some drivers don't like driving at night and some prefer it. There is never a journey that is important to risk your safety for aswel as other drivers on the road.
Great car maintenance - Before you get into your car you are responsible for the condition it's in before you take it on a public road. These tests should not take longer than 5 minutes. Always allow enough time for these checks to be made as excess time may be needed in frosty weather conditions.
Break Lights - These can be tested with a friend or by yourself. Try to park in front of a window, you should be able to determine if all lights are working. Other lights - Headlights, Fog Lights and rear lights can be tested by simply turning them on and having a quick walk around.
Sufficient Tread/Wheel Condition - This can be achieved in a quick visual look, some people prefer to take a tread gauge just to be safe. Sufficient Fuel - This can be determined as soon as the ignition is switched on.
Abs/Breaks - The handbrake can be tested manually. Your pedal break should not be spongy.
Dash board lights - all the correct function buttons must be lit or "Engine Break" lights not lit.
There is also local training you can do to reduce your emissions such as joining an advanced driving group like RosPa. |