Tips for greener driving
These simple tips will aready help you pollute less and drive greener.
- Turn off the engine whenever you are stopped.
- Switch to a higher gear in time and avoid high revs.
- As far as possible, drive at a constant speed.
- Observe the traffic flow and anticipate the other traffic. Keep a safe distance from the car in front. This will enable you to avoid unnecessary sudden braking.
- Take your foot off the accelerator in time, when you approach a crossroads, traffic light, etc.
- Brake with the engine. Leave the engine in the same gear for as long as possible without pressing the clutch. Modern engines automatically cut off the fuel supply as soon as you release the accelerator.
- Start off in a relaxed state and drive calmly to allow the engine temperature to build up gradually. Never drive at full throttle. The final quarter that you can push on the pedal does not deliver more speed or acceleration… just higher fuel consumption.
- A well-maintained car uses less fuel. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines carefully.
- Do not put unnecessarily wide tyres on your car. Using a tyre size greater than that recommended by the manufacturer results increased fuel consumption of 2 to 5% because of the increased contact with the road.
- Regularly check the tyre pressure and adjust it in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Only use electric accessories (air-conditioning, window heater, heated seats, etc…) when really necessary. Turning on the air-conditioning at full blast can increase consumption by 30%!
- Avoid unnecessarily loading up your car, especially the roof. A loaded baggage rack can increase fuel consumption by 40%. Attach bikes to the rear of the car, if possible, rather than the roof.
- Measuring is knowing: keep the fuel consumption screen visible on your on-board computer. That will tell you straight away if you’re driving economically or not!
Your car consumes more:
- extra weight of 50 kg: + 3%
- driving with open windows: + 10%
- sporty driving style: + 20%
- ski rack or luggage box on the roof: + 22%
- using air conditioning: 17.5 - 30%
Telephone LeasePlan at 02-722 62 11 or e-mail leaseplan@leaseplan.be for more information. Your account manager will also gladly provide you with the necessary