Savvy driving saves money
One of the (relatively) unknown facts that Volvo has is a driving academy that gives a course on how to save gas with savvy driving.
The Volvo Cars Driving Academy (VCDA) is located in Göteborg, on the west of Sweden. About 12 students at a time enter the course. They first get to drive a set urban route with cars that are equipped with instruments to measure exact fuel consumption. Then after the class, the students then get to drive exactly the same route once more, applying their newly learned skills.
The results is that simple skills allow an average reduction of 8-10 percent in gas usage, although 15 percent can be achieved easily. The tips aren't rocket science and are just applications of common sense. Similar courses are offered by RACC and the ADAC.
[Source: Volvo]
Ten simple tips for more economical driving:
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Start with as little throttle as possible
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Change up quickly
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Maintain a steady speed
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Avoid really high speeds
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Don't let your car run at idling speed unless necessary (it's worth your while to switch off the engine if you're going to be at a standstill for more than 20 or 30 seconds)
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Use engine braking
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Don't brake unnecessarily
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Always maintain the correct pressure in your tyres (this saves both tyres and fuel)
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Don't drive around with a roof box unless you actually need it (some people really find fashionable to keep the ski racks in summer)
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Don't carry around any unnecessary loads in the car
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Derek 7:43PM (5/31/2007)
I don't get how using engine breaking increases fuel economy. Aren't you using more gas to keep the engine running at higher RPMs while you decelerate, instead of just going into neutral and running it at 500RPM?
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joe 6:32AM (6/01/2007)
Fuel injected cars use very little gas (less than what is used in idle) when they detect engine braking. Someone more technically minded will surely come along in a minute and explain.
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Tormod Henne 8:04AM (6/01/2007)
My BMW has a complete fuel cut-off during engine braking.
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Phil L. 9:19AM (6/01/2007)
Hmmmm... - "change up quickly". It's fair to say that most US drivers have no idea what that phrase means. Personally, I still prefer manual shifting - but it's tough to find one (Sample problem: I have three kids still in child safety seats. Try to find a family-affordable vehicle with a manual tranny that can really fit three car seats).
I figured out most of the rest of these hints when I started paying for my own gas and vehicle maintenance.
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Yggdrasilly 9:57AM (6/01/2007)
Begyerpardon, Phil L., but I believe the American translation of that phrase, courtesy of Bill Cosby is...
"...and First Gear Is NOT My Best Friend. Second is OK. Third is GREAT. Once I'm in third, I'm not going back. For anyone. I'll *run over a guy* before I go back from third..."
And riding a bike (which everyone here does as a kid) teaches you everything you need to know about proper shifting and keeping your tires inflated. When the energy comes from your own legs, you quickly learn how to conserve it.
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Scott 11:24AM (6/01/2007)
The thing that helps me most as far as mileage goes? Nice, easy acceleration, especially from a dead stop (red light, etc).
I've got an '06 4runner - first vehicle I've ever had with a mileage meter - and I watch that thing like a hawk. I've modified my driving habits somewhat since getting this vehicle and being able to watch how my driving behavior affects my mileage. I get 23-24 mpg out of that thing just by driving not-insanely. :P
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