Motor vehicles indeed have an environmental impact, contributing to air pollution and consuming non-renewable natural resources.
You can aid the environment by driving in a fuel-efficient manner. Not only does this promote road safety, but it also decreases exhaust emissions and lowers fuel consumption.
To drive in a fuel-efficient manner, consider the following tips:
- Reduce your speed; vehicles traveling at 70 mph use up to 15% more fuel than those traveling at 50 mph.
- Plan ahead to drive smoothly, avoiding rapid acceleration and heavy braking, which can cut your fuel bill by up to 15%.
- Change gears promptly to utilize the highest possible gear without straining the engine, as keeping engine revs down consumes less fuel.
- Ensure your vehicle receives regular servicing and proper tuning.
- Maintain correct tyre pressure to optimize fuel efficiency.
Additionally, avoid the following practices:
- Carrying unnecessary loads or leaving an empty roof rack on your car.
- Over-revving the engine in lower gears.
- Leaving the engine running unnecessarily; if your vehicle is stationary for more than a few seconds, switch off the engine to conserve fuel.
It is imperative not to leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running. Always switch off the engine and secure the vehicle before leaving it. If you anticipate waiting for a passenger for an extended period, switch off the engine while parked.
Minimize the use of your car for short journeys whenever possible; consider walking or cycling instead. Utilizing public transport or car-sharing reduces traffic volume and emissions. For instance, modern trams utilize electric power, reducing traffic and noise pollution.
Always ensure your filler cap is securely fastened, especially after refueling, to prevent fuel spillage, which wastes both fuel and money and creates slippery road conditions for other users.
Regular servicing improves fuel economy and ensures cleaner exhaust emissions. Vehicles over 3 years old (4 years in Northern Ireland) must pass an emissions test as part of the MOT test.
When servicing your vehicle, responsibly dispose of old engine oil and batteries by taking them to a local-authority site or garage; never pour oil down the drain.
Consider noise pollution; refrain from using your car horn between 11:30pm and 7am in built-up areas unless another vehicle poses a danger.
Continuous high-speed driving may increase the risk of breakdowns. Before embarking on a long motorway journey, thoroughly check your vehicle, paying attention to oil, water, and tyre pressure.