Eco-Friendly Travel: Tips for a Green Road Trip
What is eco-driving? Let’s begin with the basics. The term eco-driving refers to an environmentally friendly driving style. Eco-driving has many benefits for both the environment and to the drivers as it helps save fuel.
Keep reading below to see below how you can benefit from a greener road trip.
Tips for ecofriendly road trips
Rent a hybrid car
What car should I rent to save on fuel consumption? It all starts with the rental car you choose for your journeys.
With a hybrid rental car, you can reduce:
- Fuel consumption.
- Emissions.
- Reduce your carbon footprint by sharing the car with your friends (carpooling).
Keep in mind that renting a car from Piraeus will give you access to rental cars perfect for driving in the city or in the countryside.
Maintain a steady speed
When we accelerate or brake abruptly, we consume more fuel. Maintain a steady speed so you can drive greener and more efficiently.
Specifically, steady speed can:
- Positively impacts the lifespan of the engine.
- Offer a more comfortable road trip.
- Reduce accidents on the road.
- The way you drive can also impact air quality.
Don’t leave the engine running when you stop
Most of us leave the car idling during short stops.
Below you may find some reasons why you should turn off the engine every time you make a stop:
- Idling the engine can be harmful to the environment.
- It can cause damage to the engine and its components.
- During winter or summer, most of us prefer to leave the engine running to keep the air conditioning going. In this case, there are alternative options, like wearing warmer clothes or opening the windows, so as to not stress the engine and harm the environment.
Use the air conditioning wisely
The truth is, air conditioning is quite useful year-round. However, if not used properly, it can significantly increase fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
You can avoid using the air conditioning by:
- Parking in shaded areas, like under trees.
- Opening the doors and windows for two minutes to ventilate your car.
- Wearing light clothes for summer and warm clothes for winter.
- If possible, it is always a good idea to choose your driving hours. For example, you can avoid driving in midday hours, when temperatures are usually higher.
Plan your routes more efficiently
Proper planning can save you time and fuel. It can also make your trip easier, faster, and eco-friendly.
Tips for planning your routes properly:
- Before completing your car rental, make sure to add GPS to avoid traffic-heavy roads.
- Combine your trips to avoid unnecessary mileage.
- Carpool with friends or colleagues, if you can.
- In most cases, renting a car is the most cost-effective option, especially if you plan to visit multiple destinations. Choose to rent a car from Athens or Thessaloniki to save time and money.
Don’t overload the car with unnecessary weight
Extra weight can reduce the car’s performance and, of course, increase fuel consumption.
Here are reasons why you shouldn’t overload your car with unnecessary things and luggage:
- Extra weight affects the car's maneuverability and reduces road safety.
- It can cause significant wear on the tires and the vehicle’s balance.
- The engine is overburdened and requires more energy to move.
- A good way to avoid all of the above is to prepare well before departure. Choose your clothes carefully and leave behind anything unnecessary.
If this article was helpful, you can click on the following to get more ideas and tips before your next trip:
- Learn all about car rental with a child seat for safe travel across Greece.
- Check out the guide for vacations in Thessaloniki to explore the beautiful second city and surrounding areas.
- Discover the top destinations near Athens for short getaways from the capital.
Next time you travel by car, try adopting some of the above tips to make your road trip eco-friendly and affordable.