Some people may recommend ditching your car or switching to electric to save the planet. But, realistically, not everyone can do those things. If this is you, there are ways to keep your car while using it more sustainably to do your bit. Here’s how.
Stay on top of vehicle maintenance
If you don’t already, keeping your car in good working order is one of the easiest ways to make your driving as sustainable as possible. Something as simple as under-inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption quite a bit, while old tyres also pose a threat to your safety. Find new tyres near you in Nuneaton or wherever you live.
Regular maintenance, including oil changes, tyre pressure checks and general servicing, often improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions. You should also save money down the line on issues that could have turned into more costly repairs.
Optimise your driving habits
The way you drive significantly impacts how much fuel your car uses and its resultant emissions. Smooth, steady driving at consistent speeds uses less on average than aggressive driving, which typically includes rapid acceleration and braking.
Try to anticipate traffic flow and reduce your speed gradually instead of making sudden stops. Features such as cruise control can also help to maintain a steady speed on motorways and therefore improve fuel efficiency.
Keeping your car idle for long periods burns fuel and creates avoidable emissions. If you’re stopping for more than a minute, it’s more efficient to turn off the engine completely.
Reduce your car’s weight
Extra weight in your car means your engine has to work harder, increasing fuel consumption and emissions. That’s why it’s important to remove unnecessary items from your vehicle when they’re not needed.
Things like roof racks and boxes can go if they’re not being used, as can heavy tools, sports equipment and anything else often kept in the boot.
Plan your trips
Intelligently planning your car journeys can significantly reduce the number of miles you drive. Simple things like combining multiple errands into one trip can make a massive difference in the long run. Cold engines use more fuel, so the more you can use your car once it’s already warmed up, the better.
Look to utilise navigation apps where possible too. They’ll find the most efficient routes and help you avoid traffic congestion. Or try carpooling with friends, family and colleagues to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
You don’t have to stop driving or make the costly switch to electric to be more sustainable. Making some quick and easy changes to your driving habits is certainly worth doing, both to do a little more for the planet and to save you some money.
