Saving Fuel
In this section of the website we have listed the main areas where significant fuel savings are to be found. While some are quite obvious, others are less intuitive.
Very Important - Using DriveGain Safely
Please use this application with caution.
Do not attempt to change settings on the device while vehicle is in motion.
Do not become distracted by the device - only check the display when it is safe to do so.
Use common sense when following advice from the application:
- It is dependent on GPS data that can occasionally be corrupted by tall buildings or trees
- It cannot see the road conditions ahead, or know if you're planning to change speed - so always trust your own judgment if you are not comfortable with the guidance that is provided
- Do not change gear if you do not think it is safe to do so
Manual Cars
Starting Off
- Start the engine only when you are ready to pull away.
- Keep engine speed as low as possible when engaging the clutch.
Getting Up To Speed
- Change up to higher gears as soon as you can. Higher gears will usually give better fuel economy.
- The DriveGain audio feedback will tell you when you should be in top gear.
- Do not accelerate too agressively as this wastes fuel.
Cruising
- Use the highest gear you can for your current speed.
- High speeds increase fuel consumption. Low speeds, if you are forced to use lower gears, also increase fuel consumption.
- If you have purchased the Advanced Savings Meter try to keep your speed in the green zone on this meter.
- Try to drive smoothly by accelerating and braking gently. Leaving a larger gap to the car in front will allow you to do this more easily.
Slowing Down
- Get into the habit of looking further ahead and anticipating the need to slow down.
- To slow down lift off the accelerator early and coast down to the slower speed, staying in the highest gear you can.
- This will reduce the amount you need to brake (which indirectly wastes fuel).
Automatic Cars
Starting Off
- Start the engine, and engage Drive, only when you are ready to pull away.
Getting Up To Speed
- Moderate your acceleration so that the automatic gearbox stays in higher gears. Higher gears will usually give better fuel economy.
- Do not accelerate too agressively as this will cause the gearbox to select a lower gear which will waste fuel.
Cruising
- High speeds increase fuel consumption. Low speeds, where the gearbox uses lower gears, also increase fuel consumption.
- If you have purchased the Advanced Savings Meter try to keep your speed in the green zone on this meter.
- Try to drive smoothly by accelerating and braking gently. This will stop the automatic gearbox changing down to a lower gear. Leaving a larger gap to the car in front will allow you to do this more easily.
Slowing Down
- Get into the habit of looking further ahead and anticipating the need to slow down.
- To slow down lift off the accelerator early and coast down to the slower speed. Automatic cars tend to slow down less than manual cars when you lift off the accelerator so you may find you still need to brake to some extent.
- This will reduce the amount you need to brake (which indirectly wastes fuel).