Tips for fuel-efficient driving

Fuel costs make up almost 20% of the running costs of a car. By changing your driving behaviour, you can achieve considerable savings and contribute to a cleaner environment.

The Dutch eco-driving programme “Het Nieuwe Rijden” encourages motorists to drive in an environmentally friendly and safer manner.

• Shift to a higher gear as soon as possible.
• As far as possible, maintain a steady speed and try to achieve a low RPM in the highest gear possible.
• Look as far ahead as you can and anticipate other traffic.
• If you see that you will need to slow down or brake for a traffic signal, release the accelerator in time and let the car roll out.
• Turn off your engine for shorter stops, for example when you are waiting at an open bridge or a railway crossing.
• Check your tyre pressure once a month.
• Make use of the available in-car equipment such as your car’s tachometer, cruise control and board computer
• Drive at a reasonable speed. Fuel consumption rapidly increases at speeds above 100 km/hour. At 120 km/hour, this can be as high as 42%
• Use 'fuel guzzlers' such as air-conditioning, rear heating and blowers sparingly.
• Do not drive longer than necessary with a roof rack, luggage carrier, ski box or bicycle rack. These create extra wind resistance and increase fuel consumption considerably.
• Avoid dead weight, for example snow chains in summer. Every 10 kg extra can increase fuel consumption by 0.1 litre over 100 km.