Check
Emissions help the Environment and improve your fuel consumption
In March
2007 the Department for Transport launched the ACT ON CO2 communications campaign
to give advice on how you can help to reduce CO2, providing tips on ’smarter’,
more fuel efficient driving and purchasing a more fuel efficient vehicle. You
can search online for ACT ON CO2 for more information and the Best on CO2 rankings
in association with What Car? which show the top ten most fuel efficient cars
in each class.
There are a number of simple ways that you can reduce the emissions when you drive:
Pump up to cut down
Under-inflated tyres create more resistance when your car is moving, which means
your engine has to work harder, so more fuel is used and more CO2 emissions are
produced. Simply check and adjust your tyre pressures regularly and also before
long journeys. This will also help to increase the life of your tyres.
Less clutter in your car means less CO2
Clutter in your boot is extra weight your engine has to lug around. By removing
it, you could reduce your engine’s workload. This will burn less fuel and cut
your CO2 emissions, so unload any items you won’t need for your journey before
you set out.
Less stopping and starting means less CO2
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.
Over revving accelerates emissions
Modern car engines are designed to be efficient from the moment they are switched
on, so revving up like a Formula 1 car in pole position only wastes fuel and increases
engine wear. Using your gears wisely by changing up a gear a little earlier can
also reduce revs. If you drive a diesel car try changing up a gear when the rev
counter reaches 2000rpm. For a petrol car try changing up at 2500rpm.
Idling is wasting fuel
When the engine is idling you’re wasting fuel and adding to CO2 emissions. If
you’re likely to be at a standstill for more than 3 minutes, simply switch off
the engine.
There is no easy technical way to deal with CO2. The best way to reduce it and
the other emissions is to use the car only when it is necessary and to walk or
use public transport where possible. When you are choosing a vehicle and you have
selected the most appropriate class of vehicle for your needs, choose the most
fuel-efficient vehicle in that group using the Best On CO2 rankings developed
in association with What Car?. The fuel consumption of similar size cars can vary
as much as 45% and by choosing the most fuel efficient car in their class, rather
than the average emissions, can be reduced by up to 24%.
FURTHER HINTS FOR LESS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Try to avoid using your car for short journeys - use public transport,
ride a bicycle or walk.
Plan ahead - choose uncongested routes, combine trips, car share.
Cold starts - drive off as soon as possible after starting.
Drive smoothly and efficiently - harsh acceleration and heavy braking have
a very significant effect on fuel consumption. Driving more smoothly saves fuel.
Slow down - driving at high speeds significantly increases fuel consumption.
Use higher gears as soon as traffic conditions allow.
Switch off - sitting stationary is zero miles per gallon. Switch off the
engine whenever it is safe to do so.
Lose weight - don’t carry unnecessary weight. Remove roof racks when not
in use.
Regular servicing helps keep the engine at best efficiency.
Keep the pressure up - make sure the tyres are inflated to the correct
pressure for the vehicle.
Do not compromise safety, but be aware that the use of onboard electrical devices
increases fuel consumption.
Check your fuel consumption - it will help you get the most from the car.
Changes in overall fuel consumption may indicate a fault.
Use air-conditioning sparingly - running air-conditioning continuously
will increase fuel consumption significantly.
