SILVER RULES
- Fuel-saving starts with choosing a low-emission car
Choose a fuel-efficient model with reduced CO2 emissions. Diesel vehicles should always be equipped with particulate filters. A fuel consumption display helps you save fuel. Cruise control and an automatic gearbow can decrease fuel-consumption.
- Avoid short car trips!
Cold engines need much more fuel per km than warmed-up enignes and cause equivalently more CO2. On short trips the engine does not reach its optimum operating temperature, increasing wear and reducing durability.
- Drive-off immediately after starting the engine; do not warm up the engine by idling
- Switch-off the engine at longer stops (or use the automatic “start/stop”) – when expected to stop longer than 20 seconds (ignition on)
- Close windows when driving at higher speeds, as open windows increase dynamic drag and conume extra fuel
- Use low friction oils and low energy tyres (EU labeling)
- Check your car regularly and have it serviced to keep it “eco-fit” and also “safety-fit”.
- Consider alternative means of transport
Around 25% of all car trips are less than 2 kilometers and 50 percent of car trips are less than 5 kilometers in lenght. Choosing to cycle or walk does not only have positive effects on the environment but also on your health and budget. The use of public transport also helps you save money and avoid stress and exhaust gases. Consider seting up a car pool with friends/colleagues or try car sharing in order to save fuel and costs.