Eco-Driving Guide 2026 | Fuel Efficient Driving Tips

Core Principles:

• Smooth acceleration and deceleration
• Anticipate traffic flow and road conditions
• Maintain steady speeds where possible
• Reduce unnecessary energy use
• Keep your vehicle well maintained

Why Eco-Driving Matters:

• Reduces fuel consumption by 10-25%
• Lowers CO2 and pollutant emissions
• Reduces wear on vehicle components
• Often results in safer driving
• Saves significant money over time

The Economic Impact:

At €1.80 per liter of fuel:

• 15% fuel savings on 15,000 km/year driving
• Could save €300-500 annually
• Lower maintenance costs too
• Adds up significantly over driving lifetime

Why It's on Theory Tests:

• Environmental regulations are increasing
• Governments promote fuel efficiency
• Part of responsible driving education
• Many countries now include eco-driving questions

Smooth Acceleration:

• Accelerate gently after starting
• Don't race away from traffic lights
• Reach cruising speed progressively
• Imagine an egg between foot and pedal
• Full throttle wastes significant fuel

Efficient Braking:

• Anticipate stops well in advance
• Lift off accelerator early
• Engine braking saves fuel (fuel cut-off activates)
• Coast in gear to traffic lights
• Avoid harsh braking where possible

Reading the Road:

• Look well ahead (12-15 seconds)
• Anticipate traffic light changes
• Notice brake lights ahead early
• Adjust speed gradually, not suddenly
• Maintain a flowing driving style

Why This Works:

• Moving a vehicle from standstill uses most energy
• Every harsh brake wastes the energy used to accelerate
• Smooth driving maintains momentum
• Less energy lost to heat in brakes

General Gear Principles:

• Change up early (around 2,000-2,500 RPM for petrol)
• Diesel engines: even lower RPM shifts possible
• Higher gears at lower RPMs = less fuel
• Don't let engine labor (too low RPM)

When to Shift Up:

• Petrol: 2,000-2,500 RPM typically
• Diesel: 1,500-2,000 RPM typically
• Modern cars: often have shift indicators
• Skip gears when appropriate (1st to 3rd, etc.)

Block Gear Changing:

• Skip gears when conditions allow
• Go from 3rd to 5th if speed is suitable
• When slowing, go from 5th to 2nd
• Saves time and fuel

Automatic Transmission:

• Use eco mode if available
• Gentle throttle encourages early upshifts
• Some automatics have manual mode for control
• Avoid 'kick-down' unless necessary

Wrong Gear Costs:

• Too low gear (high RPM) = excess fuel
• Too high gear (lugging) = stress on engine
• Balance is key

The Speed/Fuel Relationship:

• Fuel consumption increases exponentially with speed
• Air resistance increases with square of speed
• Driving at 130 km/h uses ~30% more fuel than 110 km/h
• Most efficient speed: typically 70-90 km/h

Optimal Speed Ranges:

• City driving: 50 km/h often most efficient
• Dual carriageways: 80-90 km/h
• Motorways: 100-110 km/h better than 130 km/h
• Staying in limit often close to optimal

Practical Application:

• On motorways, dropping 10-20 km/h saves significant fuel
• Minimal time difference on typical journeys
• Cruise control helps maintain steady speed
• Avoid racing to overtake if no real benefit

Wind Resistance Facts:

• At 100 km/h, most power goes to overcoming air resistance
• Windows open at high speed increases resistance
• Roof boxes and racks increase fuel use
• Remove them when not needed

Tire Pressure:

• Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance
• Check pressure at least monthly
• Can increase fuel use by 3-5% if low
• Check when tires are cold
• Don't forget the spare

Regular Servicing:

• Clean air filters improve efficiency
• Correct oil specification reduces friction
• Engine tune-ups maintain efficiency
• Spark plugs (petrol) affect combustion

Reducing Weight:

• Remove unnecessary items from car
• Every 50 kg extra ≈ 2% more fuel
• Don't carry around 'just in case' items
• Empty the boot/trunk regularly

Aerodynamic Drag:

• Remove roof boxes when not in use
• Remove bike racks after use
• Close windows at high speeds
• Keep vehicle clean (dirty = more drag)

Fuel Quality:

• Use recommended fuel grade
• Premium fuel rarely needed unless specified
• Keep fuel tank adequately filled
• Don't overfill (causes vapor loss)

Start-Stop Systems:

• Automatically stops engine at idle
• Restarts when clutch/brake released
• Saves fuel in traffic, at lights
• Don't disable it (some drivers find it annoying)
• Works best in city driving

Eco Mode:

• Reduces throttle response
• Adjusts air conditioning use
• Encourages earlier gear shifts
• May feel less responsive but saves fuel
• Worth using for normal driving

Cruise Control:

• Maintains steady speed
• Prevents unconscious speeding
• Best on flat roads
• Adaptive cruise control even better

Hybrid/Electric Features:

• Regenerative braking recovers energy
• Electric mode for low speeds
• Understand when EV mode is available
• Maximize electric/battery use

Driver Information Systems:

• Many cars show real-time fuel consumption
• Use this feedback to improve technique
• Trip computer shows average consumption
• Compare different routes and styles