Soft Driving: Reducing Your Car Emissions

Here are a few easy tips of reduce your driving emissions and the amount you spend on fuel and wear and tear on your car, by following these simple tips:

Smart Driving

Be in a high gear, drive smoothly, and don't idle. Your car engine runs most efficiently in high gear (around 1500 to 2500 rpm, lower in diesel-run cars), so shift to a higher gear as soon as appropriate. Automatic cars shift up gears more quickly if you ease on the accelerator pedal once the car gains speed.

Braking and accelerating back up to full speed uses more petrol than driving at a consistent speed. Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking by driving at a good distance from the car in front, so you can anticipate and travel with the flow of traffic.Every time you stop then start again in a traffic queue, the engine uses more fuel and therefore produces more CO2. Keep an eye on the traffic ahead and slow down early by gently lifting your foot off the accelerator while keeping the car in gear. In this way, the traffic may have started moving again by the time you approach the vehicle in front, so you can then change gear and be on your way.

Minimise fuel wasted in idling by turning off the engine whenever your car is stopped or held up for an extended period of time. Having the engine switched off will save more fuel than is used in restarting the engine.

Reduce Speed, Drag, & Weight

Keep to the seep limit. At 110 km/h your car uses up to 25% more fuel than it would driving at 90 km/h. Exterior protrusions- such as roof racks and luggage, spoilers, and having the window open can increase 'drag' and can cause you to use up to 20% more fuel. The more a vehicle carries, the more fuel it uses so remove clutter in your boot. Every 50 kg of weight in your vehicle can increase your petrol bill by around 2%.

Pump up the Pressure

Inflate your tyres to specifications of the manufacturer. Soft tyres create more drag when your car is moving, which means your engine uses more fuel and emits more CO2 emissions than needed. Ensure your wheels are properly aligned and looking after your tyre. You will reduce your fuel consumption and extend tyre life.

Air Conditioning

Car air conditioning uses around 10% extra fuel. But at speeds of more than 80 km/h, air-con use is better for fuel economy than an open window. Make sure that your air conditioning is properly serviced to prevent the leaking of CFCs from the seals.

Less clutter in your boot Clutter in your car is extra weight that you drag around town. By keeping the things in your car to a minimum, you will reduce the amount of fuel your car uses and cut your CO2 emissions. Clear the clutter in your boot, and lighten your carbon footprint.

Service Your Vehicle

Keeping your vehicle well tuned will mean it is operating efficiently and will use less fuel.

Bio-diesel

If you have a diesel car you can use bio-diesel as fuel. It is better to use bio-fuel than fossil fuel because it produces less carbon dioxide and contributes as a carbon sink when growing. Bio-diesel has the potential of being 100% carbon neutral in its life cycle so you won't be contributing to global warming crisis.

Reduce Your Car Use

Minimize the amount you use your car. try riding your bike locally. Plan to do a number of errands in one trip. When your car starts up, it consumes more fuel cold than once it warms up.

Car Pool

Organize sharing travel for your more regular journeys. Driving to work, social or sporting activities can easily be car pooled. By joining a car pool with other people you will reduce everyone's carbon footprint, and promote green thinking. Car share services are becoming increasingly popular, especially in urban areas. Its possible to rent a car inexpensively for a few hours at a time, or book a regular pick up. The costs of maintenance and insurance are covered in the fees you pay.

Invest in a Hybrid or Electric Cars

If you are thinking of buying a new car, why not invest in a hybrid or a high-efficiency diesel vehicle. Hybrids can reduce your emissions up to 40%. With fuel prices on the rise, the fuel savings will add up to quite a savings. If you budget is tailored towards an older model, keep in mind the weight and fuel efficiency of your new wheels.

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