Motoring & the Environment
EcO-drIVInG
Eco-driving is a range of everyday
drive smoothly
practices that allow the motorist to optimise
their fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Maintain a safe distance between vehicles,
use engine braking rather than the
Switch off the air conditioning, unless it
has automatic digital regulation, as soon
as the desired temperature is attained.
brake pedal, and press the accelerator
progressively. These practices contribute
towards a reduction in fuel consumption
and CO2 emissions and also helps reduce
the background traffic noise.
Switch off the demisting and defrosting
controls, if not automatic.
Switch off the heated seat as soon as
possible.
Optimise the use of your gearbox
With a manual gearbox, move off gently
and change up without waiting. While
accelerating changing up early. If your
vehicle has the system, the gear shift
indicator invites you to engage the most
suitable gear; follow its instructions as
soon as it is displayed in the instrument
panel.
If your vehicle has cruise control, make
use of the system at speeds above 20 mph
(30 km/h) when the traffic is flowing well.
Switch off the headlamps and front
foglamps when they are not needed for
safety.
Avoid running the engine before moving
off, particularly in winter; your vehicle will
warm up much faster while driving.
control the use of your electrical
equipment
Before moving off, if the passenger
compartment is too warm, ventilate it by
opening the windows and air vents before
using the air conditioning.
Disconnect your portable devices before
leaving the vehicle.
Above 30 mph (50 km/h), close the
windows and leave the air vents open.
Remember to make use of equipment
that can help keep the temperature in the
passenger compartment down.