Save not only the environment but your budget too…
Transport accounts for approximately a quarter of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the government. So, if you’re taking steps to reduce your carbon footprint and live a greener life, you should take a close look at your driving habits to see if there’s room for improvement when it comes to efficiency.
Here, we’ll outline four easy ways in which you can become an eco-friendlier driver. Read on to learn more.
Remove excess weight from your car
If you don’t keep a close eye on it, clutter can easily build up in your car. Although this might not seem like too big of an issue, it can affect how much fuel your car uses. Every extra 50kg of weight that you’re driving around with can actually increase your fuel consumption by around 2%, according to the RAC.
Make an effort to have a clear-out every three months or so, as this will help to ensure that you aren’t driving around with excess weight in your car. Simply taking large items out of your boot and removing any unused storage boxes or bike racks can help to reduce how much pollution your vehicle emits.
Be more mindful
To drive as efficiently as possible, you need to become a more mindful driver. This is because, according to the Energy Saving Trust, accelerating and braking smoothly, using higher gears wherever possible, and avoiding revving your engine can drastically lower how much fuel you use. Therefore, by paying more attention to your habits and making a conscious effort to change them, you can become a more eco-friendly driver and save money in the process.
Plan your journeys
Reducing the amount of time that you spend in traffic jams will immediately make you an eco-friendlier driver, as your engine will spend much less time idling. All you have to do is put a bit more thought and planning into your journeys.
Use a tool like the AA’s handy route planner, which will help you to avoid any incidents, roadworks, or heavy traffic that might hold you up. Use it every time you’re planning a drive and you’ll spend much less time stuck in traffic.
Follow your vehicle’s service schedule
Your car needs to be serviced regularly and there’s a whole host of reasons why. For example, it can reduce the risk of your vehicle breaking down, as well as help to prevent accidents, and ensure that your car is running as efficiently as possible. Even so, many people neglect to get their vehicles serviced on a regular basis.
It’s important that you maintain your car between services, too. This will involve monitoring the condition of your tyres, replacing your air filter when it becomes worse for wear, and checking your engine oil level. By carrying out these small tasks you’ll help to make sure your car isn’t wasting fuel, which will reduce your carbon footprint. If you aren’t confident about maintaining your car yourself, Lookers has a selection of in-depth how-to guides that will talk you through all of the little jobs you’ll need to do.
If you’re looking for a way to shrink your carbon footprint, changing your driving habits is a great place to start. Take these tips onboard and you’ll be well on your way to living a greener life.
