Pc-Mobile-Trick: June 2013

You can increase your fuel economy and contribute to a cleaner and safer environment by driving smarter. Simply follow these handy driving tips*.

Car Maintenance
Keep your car well serviced, and make sure you check the oil levels regularly to help keep the engine happy, which in turn can help reduce CO² emissions.
Windows and Roof Racks
If driving at 60 miles per hour or more, keep the windows up. Open windows create a lot of aerodynamic drag, which can add to your fuel usage when driving at high speeds. Also, remove the roof rack if you’re not using it, for up to 10 percent savings on fuel***.
Air Conditioning
Air conditioning is known for using power, which consumes fuel and emits CO². If you’re driving at a low speed, switch it off and open your windows instead.
Gears
It is good to get into the habit of changing up to a higher gear as soon as you can. Higher gears are more economical in terms of fuel consumption**.
Traffic Flow
Anticipate the flow of traffic as far ahead of you as possible to help you avoid unnecessary stopping and starting. This will help you to drive more smoothly, reducing your fuel consumption and CO² emissions.

Tyre Pressure
Make sure you check your tyre pressure at least once a month and before you set off on a long journey. Under-inflated tyres can increase your fuel consumption by up to 3 percent**.
Idling
Don’t let your car idle for prolonged periods of time. If you get stuck in a traffic jam, consider switching off your engine, provided it is safe to do so. With modern car engines, you can begin driving soon after starting the engine to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption.
Weight
Keep your boot and back seats clear of loads you don’t need. Carrying around tools or sport bags full of gear and equipment can make your car heavier. This, in turn, makes the engine work harder and uses more fuel.
Speed and Acceleration
Drive smoothly and at a reasonable speed whenever possible – driving at high speeds uses more fuel than driving at slower speeds. Remember, if you accelerate or brake suddenly it is likely that your engine will use up more fuel and produce more CO².
Car Share
A shared journey means one less car on the road. This helps to reduce traffic congestion and your fuel consumption, and you can share the cost of fuel too!