Environment & Behaviour
Do you drive economically and environmentally friendly? Learn the principles of eco-driving and understand the impact of your driving behaviour.
Environmentally friendly driving behaviour is a combination of driving style, vehicle maintenance and conscious choices. Eco-driving is the official Dutch driving style that saves fuel, reduces emissions and at the same time improves road safety by driving more calmly and looking further ahead.
The core of eco-driving is anticipation. By looking far ahead and releasing the accelerator early, you brake less and consume less fuel. Changing up early (at 2000 rpm for petrol, 1500 for diesel) and using cruise control on the motorway can deliver 10 to 15 percent fuel savings.
Tyre pressure plays a larger role than most drivers think. For every 0.5 bar of under-inflation consumption increases by approximately 2%. Check monthly with cold tyres — heat from driving increases the pressure and gives a distorted reading.
Environmental zones are areas in cities where only vehicles from a certain emission class (Euro standard) may drive. Check the Euro class of your vehicle before entering an environmental zone. By driving in an environmentally conscious way you not only reduce your fuel costs but also contribute to cleaner air in cities.
What will you learn here?
- ✓Eco-driving delivers 10-15% fuel savings through early gear changes and anticipation
- ✓For every 0.5 bar of under-inflation consumption increases by approximately 2%
- ✓Idling wastes fuel unnecessarily — switch off the engine when stopped for a long time
- ✓Environmental zones exclude older, more polluting vehicles based on the Euro emission class
- ✓Cruise control on the motorway keeps speed constant and lowers consumption
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Frequently asked questions
What is eco-driving?
Eco-driving is a driving style that reduces fuel consumption and emissions by changing up early (2000 rpm petrol, 1500 rpm diesel), looking far ahead, releasing the accelerator early and avoiding idling. It can deliver 10-15% fuel savings.
Which vehicles are permitted in an environmental zone?
This depends on the municipality and the start date. In general newer vehicles (Euro 6 for diesels) are always permitted. Check the emission class of your car on the registration document and compare with the zone requirements.
When should I check my tyre pressure?
Check monthly with cold tyres — that is before departure or after a maximum of 2 kilometres of driving. After driving the tyres are warm and the pressure is higher, which gives a distorted reading.
Does idling help warm up the engine?
No. Modern car engines warm up faster by driving gently than by standing still with the engine running. Idling wastes fuel unnecessarily and increases emissions.