Eco driving can cut emissions and save money

by Stephen Hurrell. Published Tue 21 Jul 2009 12:02, Last updated: 2009-07-21

The smart car has zero carbon emissions.

A new set of guidelines advising motorists on how to drive in a green and economical way were published today as part of an eco-driving scheme.

The guidelines are part of a ‘smart eco driving’ initiative that coincides with the launch of the lowest carbon-emitting car in production, the smart fortwo cdi.

Drivers are advised they can save up to 20 percent on fuel emissions by following the GAS principles – gears, anticipation and smooth driving. The full guidelines are:

Gears – stay in as high a gear as you can, for as much of your journey as possible
Anticipation – look well ahead and adapt your speed to what is happening in the distance
Smooth Driving – accelerate and brake as little as possible to maintain momentum, thus saving fuel.

Additional smart driving tips include:
* Reduce driving speeds by 10mph where safe to do so - higher speeds use more fuel
* Regularly check tyre pressure – under-inflated tyres use more fuel and need replacing more regularly
* Air conditioning uses fuel so turn it off and open the window a fraction – ideally no more than 10 percent as full open windows can create drag
* Turn the engine off if stationary for more than 10 seconds – smart’s mhd system does this automatically
* Cruise control can help minimise inadvertent variations in throttle
* Reduce loads - clear the boot of unnecessary junk
* Regularly check air and fuel filters, as well as spark plugs – clogged filters can reduce efficiency
* Roof racks increase drag – take them off when not in use
* Use the MPG indicator (trip computer) so you’re always aware of how much fuel has been used
* Plan journeys well in advance and try to avoid times when roads will be congested.

In June this year, eco-driving expert Mick Linford applied the smart driving tips to a smart fortwo cdi as part of a Brighton-to-London drive. Results showed the car achieved over 20 more miles per gallon than a smart cdi.

As part of the initiative, Mercedes-Benz will be starting green driving training courses this summer. Dermot Kelly, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Cars, said: “smart eco driving is something that all drivers can adopt to make a real difference to the amount of CO2 they emit and the fuel they consume. If every driver on the road follows these simple techniques, we will together reduce emissions and fuel consumption by up to 20 percent”.

Mick Linford comments: “With fuel prices rising, applying a smart approach to driving has obvious economic benefits, whatever car you are driving, and by learning how to get more out of a tank of fuel, motorists can make a difference to both their pocket and the environment.”