Economical Driving Tips

1. Drive Proactively

The highest fuel consumption occurs during acceleration. The energy used to accelerate is lost as heat when you brake. Therefore, it is best to maintain a steady speed with as little as possible slowdowns and speedups.

Helpful Tips:

• Take advantage of downhill slopes,

• Don’t accelerate if you’re going to stop soon (e.g., red traffic light, “STOP” sign), and

• Avoid using the air conditioner when driving at high speeds, as it can strain the car’s compressor.

2. Pay attention to the car’s tires

Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, leading to more tire deterioration and fuel consumption.

Helpful Tip:

• The correct tire pressure can be found both in the manufacturer’s manual and on a sticker on the driver’s door pillar.

3. Utilize gear ratios effectively

Shifting to a higher gear promptly helps save fuel.

4. Avoid car engine idling

After 30-40 seconds of car engine idling, the fuel saved is lower than the amount needed to restart the engine, therefore more fuel is consumed.

5. Regular check and maintenance of your car

A car with an unadjusted and unmaintained engine can consume up to 10-15% more fuel and endanger the driver, the passengers, and other nearby cars.

If the temperature sign appears on your dashboard comes on, stop the engine, and check for malfunctions (e.g., coolant leaks). Then, pull over and call roadside assistance immediately.

The roadside assistance phone number is different based on your insurance company and can be found in your vehicle’s insurance contract.

6. Avoid carrying unnecessary cargo & Save Fuel

For every 100 additional kilos you carry, fuel consumption increases by 1 liter per 100 kilometers. Therefore, we recommend that you avoid carrying unnecessary loads.

The catalytic converter and engine of your vehicle need to reach a suitable temperature to function properly. A “cold” engine consumes 30-40 liters per 100 kilometers right after turning on. After about 1 kilometer, this consumption decreases to 20 liters, and after about 4 kilometers, the engine has reached the appropriate temperature to operate correctly and consume fuel at normal levels.

Helpful Tip:

• Remove the roof rack of your vehicle when you are not using it, as it increases the aerodynamic resistance of your car and consequently fuel consumption and environmental impact.

7. Brake protection & maintenance

In an emergency braking situation, if the brakes are not well maintained, the vehicle will stop in twice the distance it should. The worst-case scenario is that the brake hoses are old and dry and therefore break, the brake fluid leaks, and instead, the brakes do not work at all. In order to avoid these, we recommend a change of brakes every two (2) years, as it is also recommended by the manufacturers.

Regarding brake discs and pads, the frequency of replacement depends mainly on the way of driving, and they are changed when signs of deterioration are observed. In case you observe signs of malfunction (such as noise, vibrations, or warning lights, etc.), please do not ignore them. It is recommended to check for overheating of the brake fluid and its level.

Helpful Tips:

• Do not brake hard in puddles of water, as the brake discs may warp and the car may skid off course,

• Keep safe distances, avoiding sudden braking, and brake gradually (slowly),

• Reduce the speed of the car before turning and not during, and

• When driving on a long downhill slope, keep a lower gear (low speed) in the gearbox so that you do not develop high speed and avoid braking with the use of the pedal, due to the stress it causes to the brakes.

8. Coolant Maintenance

The coolant provides corrosion protection to the system, reducing the formation of salts. Regular check-up of the antifreeze is recommended.

Helpful Tips:

• Never add plain water to the engine system, only in an emergency so that boiling of the engine can be avoided – possibly due to a leak of fluids – and as soon as you are at the garage, it is replaced by a special antifreeze,

• The fluid level should be between the “minimum” and “maximum” indicators. If it is lower, you must top it up, and of course if the fluid is filled frequently and it is not justified by normal evaporation, then it is necessary to take into consideration of the possibility of a system leak, and

• Do not open the radiator when the engine is hot, as high-temperature liquids under pressure can be ejected and cause serious burns. In any case, visit us so that we can conduct a check-up using a special pressure machine.

9. Clutch Maintenance (Plate – Disc – Bearing)

The clutch consists of the disc, which has a high coefficient of friction, and the plate, which is bolted to the engine flywheel. The disc and the plate, two different components, work together in the clutch system. Due to continuous friction, they wear out evenly. Replacing only one can lead to imbalance, premature deterioration, and other malfunctions. For smooth operation, reliability, and longevity, it is recommended to replace them as a set.

In case of clutch deterioration, as a driver, you may notice the following signs: a) the clutch pedal becomes stiff, b) you press the clutch pedal, but the gear does not or struggles to change, c) while you press the accelerator and the engine revs, the vehicle does not accelerate, d) the car “slips”. If you notice any signs mentioned above, visit our workshop so that our team of experienced mechanics can conduct the necessary diagnostic check and determine the level of need for replacement.

Helpful Tips:

• When at a traffic light, put the car in neutral and do not keep the clutch pedal pressed,

• Do not keep your foot permanently on the clutch, nor rest your hand on the gearbox,

• When you press the clutch pedal, move it all the way to the end of the pedal, and

• Do not “play” with the clutch and the gear lever.

10. Car Check-Up Before Travelling

It’s very important for your car to be well-maintained before traveling a long distance. After all, a well-maintained car ensures economical, reliable, and safe operation. Therefore, we recommend performing a basic check-up and having the necessary items in your car. It’s important to note that short, surface-level, pre-trip check-up doesn’t replace regular service by a qualified mechanic. We highly recommend scheduling a pre-trip, regular service at our garage before your departure. This regular service will ensure your car is in top condition for your journey.

This regular “travel check-up”, performed at our garage by a qualified mechanic, ensures the proper functioning of various systems and the sufficiency of fluids (e.g., engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, engine antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, gearbox and differential lubricants, air conditioning fluid), while also keeping you, the passengers, and the cars nearby safe.

If you don’t have time to visit your mechanic, you are recommended to perform the following basic checks in your car:

• Lights, Flashers, and Alarm: Ensure all lights, flashers, and the alarm are functioning properly. Replace any faulty bulbs,

• Tire Pressure: Check and adjust the tire pressure to the manufacturer’s specifications, as it directly affects fuel consumption. If the car is heavily loaded, increase the pressure by 3-4 psi,

• Windshield Washer System: Verify the windshield washer system, including the windshield, jets, and wipers, are in good condition for optimal visibility. Replace worn wiper blades,

• Fluid Levels: Check the fluid levels (e.g., oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, steering fluid, windshield washer fluid) and ensure they are at normal levels. If any fluid level is below the “minimum” mark, top it up. If you can’t add fluid for any reason, visit our mechanic,

• Brake Quality: Test the brakes to ensure they operate.

• Spare Tire and Tools: Check the condition of the spare tire and the wheel replacement tools or the repair kit (if you don’t have a spare). Also, ensure you have a warning triangle.

• Emergency Supplies: Verify you have a fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit readily available.

Don’t forget, our team is here to help! We remain at your disposal in order to provide solutions to any car problem you may encounter.

Feel free to contact us at (+30) 2310523365 and (+30) 2310515698.