The benefits of eco-driving

Creating ever-better cars is not the only way we can protect the environment and safeguard natural resources. You can make a contribution by driving in a way that helps your vehicle use less fuel and create fewer emissions. It’s called Eco-driving. It is easy to do and it helps you enjoy a driving experience that is smooth and comfortable, and which can often save you time. As well as being kinder to the environment, it also makes life safer for everyone on the road and can also reduce your fuel and maintenance bills.

Many of today’s cars – including hybrids – make things easier for the driver, for example by automatically switching off the engine when you come to a stop. Hybrids also capture energy every time you brake or slow down, helping to recharge the hybrid battery. In a non-hybrid you can improve performance by following the dashboard indicator to change gear at the right time for the best efficiency. And of course making sure your vehicle is well-maintained at one of our highly skilled retailers will always help you achieve the best results.

Avoid carrying any unnecessary loads and use a roof box only when you need to. A roof-mounted luggage rack can increase wind resistance and fuel consumption by between five and 40%.
 

A navigation system can help you avoid unnecessary detours and other potential urban hold-ups. As a cold engine consumes a lot of fuel, think about using an alternative for short journeys.
 

Don't forget to check your tyre pressures regularly. By checking and adjusting the air pressure in your tyres once a month, you can save up to 3% on fuel and extend the life of your tyres.
 

Running in a higher gear means lower engine speed and, thus, lower fuel consumption. If your car is fitted with a gear shift indicator, follow its recommendations for up and downshifts.
 

All electrical accessories (heated screens, fog lights, etc) consume energy. For example, if you run the air conditioning when it isn't needed, you're using up to 25% more fuel.

Looking and thinking ahead will help you avoid unnecessary braking. Anticipating and adapting to the flow of traffic will help you use less fuel.

By keeping your car windows closed and making use of the cabin ventilation system, your vehicle will use up to 5% less fuel.

Turn off the engine if you are going to be stationary for more than a minute. Running the engine when the car is stationary wastes fuel.

Learn how your car’s hybrid information display works, so you can see at a glance how much energy you are using as you drive.
 

Use the throttle pedal smoothly and gently, with consistent pressure. This way you can keep the car running in EV mode for longer.
 

Switch to ECO mode: this adjusts the throttle pedal for a smooth response, even if you press on it sharply, and runs the air conditioning with reduced power.

Braking early and gently lets the car capture more energy through regenerative braking. Extra power in the battery means the car can run in EV mode for longer.

Keep a close watch on the dashboard dials and gauges so that you are aware of the hybrid system’s status and make sure the battery keeps a useful high voltage level.

Do not move the shift selector to N (neutral) when you come to a stop. If you do this the car will not be generating electricity and energy will be drained from the battery.

Keeping a steady speed in open-road driving is a great way of saving fuel. Anticipate the road ahead and use the ecological route if you are using a navigation system.

Use the EV driving mode whenever appropriate. Running on all-electric power means no fuel consumption and no tailpipe emissions.