Volvo
VOLVO EURO 6
ECO DRIVING MEMO
Take off slowly, then speed up smoothly and evenly using the maximum accelerator pedal travel, within the cost-effective rotational speed limit (900-1,200 RPM). Your goal is to keep the engine running in an effective mode.
Eco driving doesn’t mean you’re driving in a cost-effective way: check the turbine pressure at all times, to the extent possible.
Adjust the screen in a way to have it display the turbine pressure in the green zone. When driving, aim at keeping the turbine pressure in the green zone.
When going up the mountains, keeping the turbine pressure in the green zone is not always possible; in such case, you should use the torque to the maximum extent possible. Doing so, do not allow slipping – for this, make sure you switch the gear box to the manual mode (M) on time.
Each gear shift normally takes some time and consumes a certain amount of fuel: where possible, go up at a higher gear and downshift if necessary. Going up the mountains (acceleration, try going up at an optimum engine rotational speed – in the green zone), aim at using the maximum torque.
The optimum cruising speed is 80-85 km/h.
While maintaining the optimum cruising speed, you have more opportunities keeping within the permissible speed limit, and the engine is therefore operating at the optimum rotational speed, which allows consuming less fuel.
Keep in mind that the cruise control system uses GPS data, and IS-See, fuel saving system, operates. It uses relief information (uphill and downhill areas) to calculate transportations with the lowest consumption possible and enhanced driving characteristics. When the system in active, it understands where an uphill or downhill movement will take place, in advance, and adjusts the operation of the engine, gearbox and brakes to maintain a steady speed within the set parameters and save fuel.
Choosing the right IS-See settings is crucial.
One asterisk – if the movement is in a flat area.
Two asterisks – if the movement is in a wavy area
Three asterisks – if the movement is in a hilly aera.
You may change the settings when driving by pressing the ECO button, which is located on the wheel to the left.
Utilizing the engine brake in an efficient way is crucial, and it’s not just about switching to it: even an advance use of the engine brake may decrease fuel consumption.
Using the engine brake for braking, we cut the fuel feed (at that time, engine rotational speed is 1,300 RPM and more). Not only we are saving fuel, but also allow the engine to take rest. Engine brake performance also depends on the cargo weight. If the cargo is heavy, it’s better to switch to the manual mode (M) and use the gears that enable higher RPMs.
Once we release the accelerator pedal, I-Roll gets activated immediately. Be very careful with this feature when driving on steep hills and on icy roads.
Do not use the Kickdown feature (push the accelerator pedal all the way down), as it results in upshifting and therefore, higher engine revolutions. This in not cost-effective. This feature is for overtaking in emergency cases.
Aim at avoiding idle running of the engine to warm it up before taking off: while running idle, the engine doesn’t warm up to its operating temperature, so we are just wasting fuel in vain. Start moving, smoothly speed up to the cruising speed, and the engine will warm up to its operating temperature at a low RPM.
Be careful at all times, assess the situation ahead, aim at avoiding unnecessary stops, and use inertia where possible: take your foot off the accelerator pedal and move by rolling.
Before a trip, check the technical state of your truck tractor and semi-trailer o make sure air doesn’t leak from the braking system. Check the state of batteries (electrolyte level, density), keep the wheels clean. Check the tyre pressure at all times.
