How to become an environment-friendly driver

Driving in an ecological-friendly way is one solution to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emission levels produced by your car.

The CO2 resulting from fuel combustion contributes to the formation of greenhouse gases, which depletes the ozone layer and implicitly degrades our environment. The driving behaviour can decisively influence fuel consumption levels and the pollution level of the car. Likewise, an ecological behaviour can prevent premature aging of the car and accident hazards.

Ecological road behaviour will prevent any excessive use of the car, which can save up to 20% of the fuel generally used. You can even save fuel with small city cars, renown for their low consumption level.

Being an environment-frienly driver is something you learn, whatever the brand of your car. Generating less pollution, this ecological behaviour will prove beneficial in the long run, not only for drivers, but for the future generations as well.

First and foremost, Dacia tried to inform all its employees on the good practices of driving. The principles of ecological driving were explained on Dacia’s industrial platform during a communication campaign in 2008. Moreover, in the light of the World Environment Day, on 5 June, Dacia reasserts its commitment towards applying ecological practices on its industrial platform, with the help of all its employees.

The right attitude

1 : Optimum use of gears

• Reduce seep when around 1,000 rpm.

• Change to the next gear when around 2,000 rpm for a diesel engine, and around 2,400 rpm for a petrol engine

At 50 km/h you should use the 4th or the 5th gear.

2 : Adapt your driving style

• Whenever possible, keep your car at a constant speed

• Use the engine brake as often as possible as an alternative to the brake pedal

At 50 km/h in the 5th gear, you should lift your foot from the accelerator 100 m before the red light!

3 : Master accelerations

• Up to 50 km/h, you should accelerate until you reach the 5th gear

• At more than 50 km/h, use the accelerator moderately

You should change gears swiftly up to the 5th gear

4 : Master uphill and downhill driving

• Keep your downhill speed constant

• Lower uphill speed without cluttering traffic, but not below 40 km/ h if possible

When driving downhill you should not use the accelerator!

5 : Don’t use the engine excessively

• Turn off the engine when not driving for more than 1 minute

• In winter, do not heat the engine before driving off

You should drive off immediately after starting the engine!

6: Use your car in optimum parameters

• Check tire pressure once a month

• If you don’t need the air conditioning, reduce the differences between outside and inside temperature (under 5°C)

• Do not carry unnecessary loads

• Remove the roof racks whenever you don’t need them

A sensible use of your car is as important as an environment-friendly driving behaviour.