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Driving styles

There are many ways of changing your driving style which will change your fuel consumption. A few examples as follows:
 
Idling the engine
Do not idle the engine unnecessarily. Exhaust gases are at their most toxic when the engine has just started running. Respect the local traffic rules regulating prohibition of idling. When a stop is brief you can switch off the engine without the catalytic converter getting cold.
Most of the exhaust for the entire journey is emitted during the first few kilometers.

Setting off in a motor vehicle
Start in first gear, drive not more than two vehicle lengths and select second gear. Accelerate strongly, possibly shifting directly into fourth gear. Don't open the throttle more than halfway (not over 3000 r p m).

Changing gear

  • When accelerating, feel free to skip a gear (e.g. third to fifth).
  • Having got into the gear you want, use the accelerator pedal only to maintain your speed: just “surf” along, don’t increase speed further.
  • When accelerating, take care not to apply more accelerator than necessary and not exceed 3000 r p m. (There can be variations depending on vehicle type and gear ratios)
  • Remember that there are many occasions when you can use a higher gear than perhaps you are accustomed to do.

When you are accelerating, the catalytic converter will not be able to purify all the emissions completely at more than 3000 r p m. but will release some of the exhaust gases uncleaned. Newer vehicles have better designed catalytic converters and better cleaning. You should always use the highest possible gear for the driving situation. A modern vehicle can withstand lower engine revolutions than you think, such as 30 km per hour in fifth gear at the right accelerator pressure.

Planning your route and driving
When planning a journey the possibility of avoiding stopping is of great importance. Stops and acceleration increase fuel consumption. This means that it pays, particularly in town driving, to choose a route which permits you to drive the longest possible distances at an even speed and preferably without stopping. It is not certain that the shortest route is the fastest and most environment-friendly.