Tips for a safer, more efficient drive

LONG weekends and summer drives are here. And chances are, you’ll be spending more time on the road.

To make your journey more efficient, safe and enjoyable, here are some tips from Volvo to maximize fuel efficiency and keep you and your loved ones in one piece. Aside from the new Drive-E technology engines in your modern Volvos, these reminders can help in giving you the best ride and drive to your desired destination.
Here are tips for safer driving:
1. Use your senses.
Look around. Survey the road ahead and keep your eyes open on the road behind.

2.  Stay awake.
If you are tired, do not drive. If you feel yourself getting tired, pull over and take a short break to rest and regain alertness.

3.  Drive according to conditions.
If road conditions are hazardous, reduce your speed accordingly.

4.  Use the phone only when it is safe.
A driver’s first responsibility is the safe operation of the vehicle. Avoid distractions and pay attention to the road at all times.
5.  Give yourself reaction time.
Allow sufficient room between yourself and the car in front. Watch the car in front pass a certain point in the road and then count three seconds; if you get there before three, you’re driving too close.

Tips for eco driving
1. Accelerate in an efficient way
Accelerate quickly, but without pressing the acceleration more than halfway.

2. Brake in an  eco-friendly manner

Cars with automatic transmission handle engine braking
automatically.

3. Use eco-friendly climate settings
Climate control (especially the air-conditioner) is a large energy consumer. Restricting use to only when necessary and disabling when otherwise can reduce fuel consumption.
4. Automatic transmission
Use gear position (D) and let the car automatically shift between the various gears to achieve fuel consumption.

Try to avoid gear downshift at acceleration by pressing the accelerator smoothly.
5. Choose the right eco-friendly speed
Higher speed results in more air resistance, and therefore higher fuel consumption.
The best overall fuel consumption is achieved in the highest gear with minimum vehicle speed, which is typically in the range of 80 kilometers per hour.

6. Keep the car in good shape
Always perform servicing and maintenance of the car as instructed in the owners manual.
7. Plan your trip
Planning both the optimum route to drive and the time necessary to cover the distance results in steadier driving speeds and shorter distances.
Plan the route to avoid busy roads.

8. Plan your driving
Drive smoothly and in an eco-friendly way with consideration for other road users.
With good foresight, you can avoid unnecessary braking.

9. Make efficient stops
Avoid longer idling and act according to the local traffic regulations. Switch off the engine during longer waiting periods, without endangering other road users.
You already start saving fuel when the engine is off for 15 seconds. Start/stop vehicles, like the new Volvo range, manage this automatically.

10. Optimize the tires
Drive with the correct air pressure in the tires and check it regularly.
Choose eco-friendly tire pressure for best results. See the tire pressure table in the owner’s manual.
Choice of tires can affect fuel consumption. Your dealer can provide you with information on appropriate tires.

11. Avoid unnecessary cargo
When the car’s weight increases, so does fuel consumption. Thus, try to avoid unnecessary cargo; load carriers, a roof box and a trailer negatively affect the car’s aero dynamics and weight, leading to increased fuel consumption. Avoid driving with optional accessories, especially if they’re not in use.