Fuel efficiency tips

Saving fuel.
Ecological driving.

Fuel consumption is a major portion of the total fleet cost, while fuel economy also achieves a reduction in CO2 emissions. Therefore it is very important to sustainably lower costs through an efficient driving style. To help you and your drivers do just this, we have put together a summary of the best tips and tricks for a sustainable driving style without making compromises to your driving fun. According to a recent study by the ÖAMTC these tips can bring savings of up to 25 percent. A savings potential that is impressive even if you only have a smaller fleet.

Keep your distance

Keep your distance - it is safer and lets you take better advantage of coasting phases. Short changes in speed can be compensated for which also saves your brakes. The general rule is: a defensive driving style allows you to optimally utilized coasting phases, for example when approaching a railroad crossing or a red light.

Avoid short trips

Whether to the baker or the post office: avoid short trips. The reason is that the engine does not reach its optimum operating temperature until after a few kilometers. Until the engine has warmed up, your fuel consumption will be much higher than normal.

Avoid traffic jams

Traffic jams require a lot of vehicle movement from idle, acceleration, braking and idle engine operation. If you are able, try to plan the route of roads with less vehicles.

Unload your vehicle

If you want to save fuel, you  should avoid extra burdens, as well as roof boxes whose weight and increased air resistance also increase fuel consumption. Always place the load properly on the roof, try to minimize the load and tighten it securely. Immediately after the cargo is transported, remove the roof box from the vehicle.

Check your tire pressure

Tire pressure is regulated by the manufacturer, so check the pressure regularly, and if your car is full, you can increase the pressure slightly. The low tire pressure causes harm to your vehicle: unnecessary wear of tires increases, it affects vehicle features and fuel consumption increases.

Drive consistently

The fuel consumption increases excessively above a speed of 100 km/h. Even more important than your speed however, is a smooth and consistent driving style. Avoid sudden acceleration and intense braking. Try to maintain a constant speed as this will help protect the environment and reduce the wear and tear on your tires, brakes and other moving parts.

Use the right gear

During the acceleration of the vehicle, it is necessary to change the gear properly, not to burden the engine and waste fuel unnecessarily and thus pollute the environment. Adjust gears to the road conditions - climbs, downhills, curbs, open roads, etc. For economical driving, the speeds change to about 2000 rpm for diesel engines, or about 2500-3000 rpm for gasoline engines. This shift in gears achieves significant fuel savings.

Think about what you turn on

Comfort while driving is important. Nevertheless, you should only use air conditioning, heated seats and the like in moderation to reduce fuel consumption. Especially in the summer you should try to avoid larger temperature differences between the interior and exterior of the vehicle. At lower speeds, it is advisable to cool the vehicle by lowering the windows, and at higher speeds and open road to keep windows closed, using the air conditioner.

Maintenance

Take care of your vehicle's regular service to keep it in perfect working order and to reduce fuel consumption.