Eco-Friendly Driving Tips for Better Mileage

What is eco-driving and why is it important?

Eco-driving is a smart and fuel-efficient driving style that focuses on reducing fuel consumption and lowering emissions. It involves maintaining steady speeds, avoiding harsh braking, and optimising routes to get the most mileage out of every litre of fuel.

In India, where fuel prices and traffic congestion remain persistent problems, eco-friendly driving has several advantages:

• Saves money: Using less fuel means making fewer journeys to the petrol pump.

• Reduces pollution: Given India's high pollution levels, lowering emissions helps to improve air quality.

• Better vehicle lifespan: Your car's engine and brakes will last longer if you drive more smoothly.

• Increases road safety: Everyone travels on safer roads when drivers practise controlled driving, which lowers the likelihood of accidents.

Let's now examine some of the most important eco-driving strategies that can make your driving decisions more intelligent.

 

Eco-driving techniques

1. Speed regulation

Speeding is not only dangerous, but it also consumes a significant amount of fuel. One of the simplest methods to increase fuel efficiency is to maintain a steady speed.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) reports that speeding is the primary cause of traffic accidents in India, contributing to 69.6% of accident-related fatalities and 71.7% of all accidents. In addition to safety considerations, increased speed causes more aerodynamic drag, which increases engine workload and fuel consumption.

Tips for speed regulation:

• Stick to the recommended speed limits.

• Use cruise control (if available) on highways for consistent speed.

• Avoid unnecessary revving of the engine.

2. Smooth acceleration

Accelerating aggressively uses more fuel than is necessary. To raise speed smoothly, press the accelerator gradually rather than quickly. This method lessens the strain on the engine while increasing fuel economy.

How to practice accelerating smoothly:

• After stopping, accelerate gradually instead of forcefully pressing the pedal.

• Instead of making sudden accelerations, try to keep your speed constant.

• When feasible, drive in higher gears, as lower gears use more fuel.

3. Avoid rough braking

Excessive and forceful braking can waste fuel and hasten the wear and tear of brake parts. Anticipating stops and reducing your speed gradually can help your car use less fuel.

The best ways to prevent harsh braking:

• To prevent sudden stops, keep a safe distance from other cars.

• When approaching a red light or traffic jam, release the accelerator early.

• On slopes, use engine braking rather than depending solely on the brakes.

4. Route optimisation

Taking the quickest or least congested route could decrease fuel usage significantly. Traffic jams cause idling, delayed acceleration, and frequent stops, all of which contribute to fuel wastage.

How to improve fuel economy by optimising your route:

• Check for traffic updates in real-time by using navigation applications such as Google Maps.

• Adjust your commute time whenever you can to avoid peak-hour traffic.

• Organise your errands carefully to cut down on unnecessary trips.

Small changes to your route can help you save fuel and improve the convenience of your trips.

5. Reduction of aerodynamic drag

Wind resistance causes aerodynamic drag, which slows down your vehicle and increases engine workload. Reducing drag improves mileage, which benefits eco-drive car performance.

Techniques to reduce aerodynamic drag:

• Keep your windows closed when travelling at high speeds, especially on highways.

• When not in use, remove any extra load carriers or roof racks.

• Avoid making unnecessary adjustments to your vehicle's design to keep it streamlined.

Following these easy steps, you can increase your car's fuel efficiency and improve your driving experience.

 

Eco-driving score: what is it, and how can it be calculated?

One way to evaluate a driver's efficiency is to look at their eco-driving score. Digital dashboards in many contemporary cars offer real-time feedback on driving patterns. The following factors determine the score:

• Speed consistency

• Smoothness of acceleration

• Braking efficiency

• Time spent idle

How can I monitor my eco-driving score?

• Look for fuel economy information on the dashboard if your car has an integrated eco-driving system.

• Utilise smartphone applications that are available on the app store to examine your driving patterns.

• Some insurers provide Pay As You Drive plans that telematically monitor driving and provide safe drivers with lower premiums.

Monitoring your eco-driving score over time will help you improve how you drive and increase your fuel efficiency.

The Road Ahead

Eco-safe driving is more than simply conserving fuel; it is also about driving diligently. By using strategies like smooth acceleration, speed control, and route optimisation, you could significantly decrease emissions and fuel consumption in your car.

Although driving sensibly contributes to fuel savings, having the proper Car Insurance guarantees your financial security while driving. Shriram Car Insurance provides affordable coverage with benefits like:

• Quick claim processing with minimal paperwork

• No Claim Bonus for safe driving without making a claim

• Add-ons like Engine Protection, Zero Depreciation, and Roadside Assistance

• Flexible options for coverage, such as the Pay As You Drive (PAYD) plan
   

Shriram's Pay As You Drive (PAYD) Plan is a fantastic solution for drivers who don't use their cars much to save money on premiums. For people who mostly use their cars for weekend or occasional travel, this usage-based insurance plan is ideal since it bases your premiums on how often you drive.

 

FAQs

1. What driving techniques help save fuel?

The simplest means to save fuel is to keep your speed steady, avoid sudden braking and acceleration, and optimise your routes to cut down on idle time.
 

2. What does eco-car mean?

An eco-car is a car built for reduced emissions and increased fuel economy. This includes hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as petrol and diesel vehicles equipped with cutting-edge fuel-saving technology.
 

3. Does idling consume more fuel than restarting the engine?

Idling consumes fuel unnecessarily. If you're going to stop for more than a minute, it's better to turn off the engine and restart it when necessary.
 

4. Can eco-driving extend my car’s lifespan?

Yes, using eco-friendly driving practices prolongs the life of a vehicle and lowers maintenance expenses by reducing the strain on the engine, brakes, and tyres.