subject: Tips For Low Emissions Driving [print this page] The UK government is working to reduce the countrys carbon footprint and as a motorist, there are small changes you can make to reduce your vehicles CO2 emissions. All new cars now have a fuel economy label and vehicles with low emissions pay reduced road tax. Even if your car isnt a low emissions vehicle, you can still adjust your driving practice to improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and save money on fuel.
Only travel by car when necessary
Almost a quarter of all car journeys in the UK are less than two miles long , this is a relatively short distance, which is easy enough to walk or cycle. Considering each journey in advance and planning a little extra time to walk or cycle on short journeys could significantly reduce your fuel use over time, as well as improving your level of fitness!
Look after your tyres
Under-inflated tyres are a major contributor to the unnecessary over-consumption of fuel. Under-inflation can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%, as well as affecting road handling and significantly increasing driving stopping distances. Test tyre pressure regularly, the correct pressure can be found in your vehicle handbook. Bear in mind that tyre pressure will differ if your car is heavily loaded and in his instance may need to be adjusted.
Remove excess weight
Increased weight and air resistance can reduce the fuel efficiency of a vehicle. Additional weight causes the engine to work harder, therefore using more fuel; empty roof racks add unnecessary weight to a vehicle and can increase air resistance while driving. Remove items which arent needed from the boot of your car before driving. It makes sense to keep an emergency breakdown kit and some car maintenance tools to hand, but anything that isnt necessary for your journey adds extra weight to your car, reducing fuel economy.
Use your gears correctly
Changing to a higher gear a little earlier can significantly reduce fuel consumption, for example, driving at a constant speed of 37 miles per hour in fifth gear uses 25% less fuel than in third gear. Try to increase and decrease your speed gradually, avoiding sharp acceleration and sudden braking when possible. When safe to do so, keep your speed constant, as this is likely to use less fuel. Stopping and starting increases fuel consumption, so anticipate the need to stop when approaching traffic lights; if you can safely slow down in advance, giving the traffic ahead time to start moving before you need to stop, you can avoid using the additional fuel required to stop and start again.
If you do need to remain stationary for a while, for example in stand-still traffic or at a level crossing, switch your engine off. Even if its just for a minute or two, the practice of switching off your engine each time you have to stop will save fuel over time.
Plan your route
Planning ahead is always a good idea when driving to an unknown destination, you are less likely to get lost or become distracted trying to navigate if youve studied the route in advance. Use a satnav to identify the shortest journey or sense-check the route for practicality on a map before setting out. Planning the shortest route and considering potential traffic in advance can help you to save fuel on each journey.
Car share
If you commute to work or drive your children to school each day, why not see if any colleagues or parents are regularly driving the same way? Driving a full car, with all passengers contributing towards the cost fuel, can reduce fuel consumption and save money on petrol. For parents, sharing the responsibility of the school-run can have the additional benefit of freeing up extra time in the morning or afternoon.
