With fuel prices rising again and environmental concerns dominating the headlines, many drivers are looking for ways to be more eco-friendly behind the wheel.
The good news is that by making a few simple changes to your driving habits, you can significantly reduce your environmental impact and potentially save some cash at the pump.
Below, we’ll share four tips to help you drive more sustainably.
- Invest in a portable tyre inflator
Underinflated tyres are a major enemy of fuel efficiency, increasing rolling resistance and forcing your engine to work harder. Instead of making frequent trips to petrol stations and burning even more fuel, you can investing in a cordless tyre inflator lets you keep your tyres topped up at home or on the move. These nifty gadgets are compact enough to fit in your boot and can make surprisingly big difference to your fuel economy.
- Download eco-driving apps
Your smartphone can be a powerful tool in your quest for green driving. Most modern sat-navs and sat-nav apps let you select the most economic route at the start of your journey, or else analyse your route and suggest more fuel-efficient alternatives, considering factors like traffic congestion and road conditions. If your sat-nav doesn’t have these facilities, then choosing the fastest route can be more fuel-efficient, as your car burns less fuel when in a higher gear.
- Lighten your load
The more weight your car is lugging around, the harder your engine has to work, leading to increased fuel consumption. Plan your trips efficiently and avoid carrying unnecessary items. Always declutter your boot before a long journey – that old toolbox or gym bag you haven't used in months doesn’t need to go everywhere with you. If you're a frequent roof rack user, remember to remove it when not in use, as its aerodynamic drag can significantly impact fuel efficiency.
- Avoid idling
Leaving your engine running while stationary, is a major waste of fuel and contributes to unnecessary emissions. For this reason, many modern cars are equipped with auto start-stop systems that automatically turn off the engine when you come to a halt and restart it when you press the clutch or accelerator. If your car doesn't have this feature, try turning your engine off you’re stopped for more than a few seconds, such as when waiting at traffic lights or level crossings, and especially while popping out of your car to run a quick errand.
Getting from A to B, sustainably
Simple adjustments to your driving habits like the ones we’ve shared above can significantly improve your fuel efficiency, reducing your emissions and also saving you money. Beyond eco-friendly driving, you can further reduce your carbon footprint by opting for public transport whenever possible.
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