Rule
1. Look far ahead
See 10-15 seconds ahead in traffic. You get time to lift off the accelerator instead of braking. Every time you brake you 'throw away' fuel you just spent getting up to speed.
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Lesson6 min
Eco-driving: save 10–15% fuel
The six techniques Trafikverket teaches, and why they also make you a safer driver.
You will learn, among other things:
Rule
2. Shift up early (2000 rpm)
Shift to a higher gear as soon as the engine pulls comfortably, around 2000 rpm. Low revs → less fuel used. Automatic gearboxes do this themselves if you don't press the accelerator hard.
Tip
3. Engine-brake: lift off early
When you see a red signal or know you'll stop soon: lift off the accelerator early and let the car coast in gear. On modern cars fuel injection is cut ENTIRELY during engine braking. You use zero fuel.
Example
4. Maintain steady speed
From 100 → 120 km/h fuel consumption rises ~20%. Dropping from 110 to 100 saves more fuel than most other measures combined. Use cruise control on motorway when traffic is steady.
Checklist
5+6. Tyre pressure and load
- Correct tyre pressure (check monthly, extra important in winter). Under-inflated tyres can increase consumption 5-10%
- Take off the roof box when you don't need it — it dramatically increases air resistance
- Unnecessary luggage = more mass to accelerate = more fuel
- Windows down on motorway = more air resistance than AC on