Road vehicles constitute the majority of vehicles and they contribute greatly to the consumption of fuel resources which in turn lead to pollution of ambient atmosphere in substantial amounts. Therefore, the efficient use of fuel in road vehicles is very important both in respect of economy and environmental protection.
Over the years, the energy efficiency of passenger vehicles has increased dramatically. This depends on the voluntary decision taken by the vehicle manufacturing industry to technological improvements and to reduce CO2 emissions from new passenger vehicles. There has been no improvement in energy efficiency in road freight transport, partly due to low load factors. Trucks consume significantly more energy than rail or sea transport per ton-km. Sea and rail transport are seen to be more advantageous compared to the road. Nevertheless, the energy efficiency of rail transport has changed little in recent years and this shows us that there are still additional energy saving measures to be taken in the railway sector.
Due to the high population of passenger vehicles traveling in and out of cities, CO2 emissions contribute significantly to air pollution, apart from industrial, commercial and domestic facilities. Especially in cities, the emission rates of passenger vehicles at low speeds are quite high, and sometimes, in the case of reverse air currents, the city atmosphere makes it dangerous for human health. For this reason, reducing the fuel consumption rates of passenger vehicles as much as possible has a great proposition in terms of ensuring low CO2 emissions. However, from the other side, the drivers must also take into account some driving techniques, the physical condition of the vehicle and proper maintenance guidelines in order to economically drive their vehicles.
Our aim is to give advises to the drivers of the road vehicles; to reduce their consumptions on spare parts and consumable items as fuel, oil and other consumables throughout the lifetime of the vehicle by applying efficient driving and maintenance methods (mainly to be followed under the direction of vehicle producers) in order to achieve both economy in driving and efficient control of the air pollution with reduced fuel consumptions.