Helping to protect the planet
We believe that cars are an essential part of modern life. In many situations, there simply is no other viable method of getting from A to B, especially if you're on business. Having said that, we recognise the need to protect the planet for future generations and we want to help minimise the impact that cars can have on our environment.
So we're committed to help our members improve their carbon footprint. We want to encourage responsible driving. We think there's a balance to be achieved. It's unrealistic to suggest that we can do without cars, so let's make them better and let's make us better at using them.
Watch your tyre pressure
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 against the manufacturer handbook 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 e.g. golf clubs.
Driving at an appropriate speed reduces CO2
Speed limits are the maximum lawful speeds which may be driven in ideal circumstances. Staying at or within the speed limit increases driver safety. It also reduces CO2 emissions and saves money on your petrol costs. At 70mph you could be using up to 9% more fuel than at 60mph and up to 15% more fuel than at 50mph.
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 change 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.
Use Cruise Control
When you drive on a motorway, cruise control helps maintain a steady speed. According to tests conducted in the US by Edmunds, cruise control can provide a 7% average fuel saving.
Only use air-con at higher speeds
Using air-conditioning in your car can reduce your MPG by as much as 20%. In fact, your air-conditioner can use up to a gallon of fuel per tank to cool the vehicle. But driving with your windows open can produce aerodynamic drag, which reduces fuel economy. So, what do you do?
When driving at slower speeds (less than 40 mph), such as driving in urban areas, open windows are better. At higher speeds (over 40 mph), open windows use more fuel than the air-con, so close the windows and turn on the air-conditioner.
Fuel efficient tyres
Independent research by DEKRA and TUV in 2009, suggests that energy efficient tyres do indeed save fuel, not very much fuel, but there is a saving. The big benefit however, is that low-rolling resistance tyres can last up to 38% longer - clearly saving you money and helping the environment at the same time. The report also suggests that these tyres can indeed stop in the wet at least as well as normal tyres.
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