Here, alongside Lookers, who supply car servicing parts, we take a look at some top tips of how to reduce your carbon footprint whilst driving. We are told how our actions and products are damaging the environment every day, and some of this is down to driving.
Were you aware that your fuel consumption, and the ‘greenness’ of your commute can hugely depend on how you drive?
Drive at a consistent speed
Your speed also can affect how much fuel your journey uses. If you regularly travel more than 70mph, you run the risk of creating more harmful emissions that you would if driving at a slower speed. Did you also know that it can cost you up to a quarter more in fuel to travel at 70mph compared to 50mph?
Remember to not leave your engine running
Nowadays, many new vehicles come with fitted devices that cut your engine when your vehicle is stationary. However, if yours doesn’t, try and get into a habit of turning the engine off when you’re waiting — in a car park or at traffic lights, for example.
No need for speed
Driving at a high speed can, of course, be harmful to the environment and dangerous to other drivers and pedestrians. However, you should also be aware that driving too slowly can also be damaging. Reportedly, most motoring pollution is emitted at speeds of less than 15mph, and harmful emissions reduce as you speed up to 60mph before going up again at speeds of over 60mph.
Put the windows up
Driving with the windows down can create a ‘drag force’ which will increase your fuel consumption. Next time, try and keep your windows up.
Don’t use your air-con unless necessary!
Don’t use your air-con unless you really have to. Experts claim that cutting the use of HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons, which are found in fridges and air conditioning systems) will significantly help stave off the harmful impact of global warming. So, bear this in mind the next time you’re in the car.
Read the road ahead
Read the road. Speeding up or having to brake more forcefully when we realise we can’t make it wastes fuel. Plus, of course, it’s dangerous.
Burning fuel
As previously mentioned, accelerating and suddenly stopping can be harmful to the environment. Drivers burn up to just less than a third more fuel if they speed up and brake suddenly. What’s more, it isn’t good for the health of your car either!
It’s clear that there’s a lot to consider regarding ‘green driving’. However, it’s essential that we’re all pulling together and making the little changes now that can have a significant effect in the future.
