There are many things we can all do as motorists to be kinder to the environment. Many of these changes are easy to achieve and can save you money too.
While your car burns petrol or diesel to get you from point A to point B, it produces carbon dioxide and other poisonous gases. Excessive carbon dioxide in the planet’s atmosphere is a primary cause of global warming or climate change.1
Eco-friendly motoring refers to using less fuel while driving or avoiding fuel altogether by driving an electric car. Seeing that petrol and diesel are becoming increasingly expensive, using less fuel will save you money.
Tyres
Major tyre makers have been providing eco-friendly tyres for most cars for some time now. This type of tyre is designed to save fuel while still providing all the required safety features. This is achieved by designing the tyre in such a way that its interaction with the road requires less energy, thus saving fuel. Some tyres are also made from recycled materials, which help the environment too.2
Make sure to check and maintain the tyres’ pressure regularly according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Underinflated tyres can cause your car to use more fuel because of the greater resistance and friction with the road surface.
Driving style
Speeding and heavy acceleration may increase your car’s fuel consumption. Try avoiding this type of driving behaviour, which is not only dangerous but will use more fuel. Driving below the speed limit can also save fuel. Drive your car in the right gear for the right speed and situation.3
Car maintenance
A properly maintained car is required for it to run optimally. For example, a car’s engine that is in excellent working condition is less likely to use additional fuel.4
Avoid unnecessary journeys
Try to avoid those small, and often impulsive trips to the shops to buy a few items. Instead, plan only a single, large monthly visit.4
Avoid traffic when possible
Idling and low-gear crawling through heavy traffic may use up additional fuel. Cars generally use less fuel when cruising along the road with fewer stops and less stationary idling. This can’t always be achieved. However, try asking for ‘flexi’ work hours to beat traffic.3
Drive with the windows closed
It has been proven that driving with your car’s windows open increases the wind resistance, which makes your car work harder to maintain its speed. This, in turn, makes it use more fuel. Rather keep all of your car windows closed while driving. Use your car’s air conditioner as little as possible because it also uses fuel. Car accessories such as roof racks and spoilers may also increase fuel consumption. Keep as little in your car as possible, because carrying extra weight causes increased fuel consumption.3,4
Downsize
Do you need a large vehicle? For example, large SUVs are fashionable, but are they always necessary? Smaller-sized vehicles weigh less generally and use less fuel than larger-sized vehicles.
Going electric
Perhaps consider buying an electric car. Electric cars can be more efficient than cars with petrol or diesel internal combustion engines.5
Don’t litter
Cars can help spread another environmental issue, namely, littering. Don’t throw any litter out of your car while travelling. This can harm wildlife, the environment and even cause veld fires in some cases.
Now you know that it isn’t difficult to drive responsibly and how to save money in some cases. There may be other ways to be a responsible motorist. Are you looking for affordable car insurance? Why not explore getting car insurance with PMD?
Roadside Litter, Environmental Protection and Road Safety https://t.co/wQMaPI3LNS #ArriveAlive Don't be a Tosser! pic.twitter.com/pMnPaQF65y
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) July 26, 2017
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views and opinions of Prime Meridian Direct (Pty) Ltd, FSP41040 (car insurance and life cover products). The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
Sources:
1https://climate.nasa.gov/causes/
2 http://www.tires.co.nz/news/what-are-eco-friendly-tyres
3 https://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/transport/fuelguide/tips.html
4 https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/car_info/driving_tips_to_improve_fuel_efficiency/
5 https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/evtech.shtml