If you want to do your bit for the planet — not to mention save money each month — then the first place you should turn your attention to is your car. According to research by NASA, vehicles are the largest net contributors to global warming across the world , and reducing your fuel emissions will go a long way to reducing your personal carbon footprint.
If you’re passionate about slowing down the effects of global warming and want to save some money at the same time, simply follow these 5 IDEAL ways you can reduce your fuel emissions.
Lighten the load
It’s easy to let your boot, back seat and glove box get cluttered. But, the weight of odds and ends scattered around your car can quickly add up and bring your fuel efficiency down.
A quick win that can lead to serious savings on your fuel bills is clearing out your car. Empty it completely, return the essentials, and then discard or relocate everything else. Every kilo you can drop will lead to better fuel efficiency every time you leave the drive, so make sure you have a clear-out on your quest for better efficiency.
Make sure your tyres are properly inflated
Your tyres have a huge effect on your car’s efficiency. If they’re not inflated to the right pressure, they produce more friction with the road, which means you’ll need to use more fuel to maintain the same speed. Tyres that aren’t at the right pressure will also wear faster, meaning you’ll have to replace them sooner.
This is all bad for the planet and your wallet, but can easily be avoided if you check the pressure of your tyres every few weeks and top them up when needed. Most petrol stations have a tyre inflator on-site, so you can do this when you’re topping up on fuel. If you’re not sure what the right tyre pressure is for your vehicle, simply search Tyre Safe’s car pressure checker to find out.
Drive smart
The way you drive has a huge impact on your fuel efficiency. By nurturing a few simple habits when you’re behind the wheel, you can make every tank of fuel go further. In fact, the AA reports that when 50 of its staff took part in an eco-driving experiment, they saved an average of 10% on their weekly fuel bill, with the best saving coming in at a massive 33%.
To emulate these impressive results, aim to drive smoothly by avoiding sudden acceleration and stops whenever you can. Slow down early and try to keep your car rolling when you’re coming up to a red light, too — maintaining momentum is the key to efficient driving.
Avoid high revs and stick to high gears by changing up at around 2,000 rpm in a diesel and 2,500 in a petrol vehicle. Modern cars are often fitted with a gear change indicator, so follow this for the best results.
Lastly, obey the speed limit. Drive at 80mph and you’ll use 10% more fuel than at 70mph, as reported by The Guardian. Instead, stick to a steady speed on the motorway for maximum efficiency.
Clean your exhaust
Most motorists never think twice about their car’s exhaust. However, this is a big mistake if you’re trying to increase your fuel efficiency. All the carbon dioxide and monoxide your engine produces runs through this vital component, and some of the carbon from these gases fuses to it over time. If your exhaust is neglected and this is left to build up, it will reduce the efficiency of your car.
You can remove carbon build-up from your exhaust tip with some degreaser and elbow grease. You might have to apply a few coats if you haven’t done this before, but it will leave your car running a lot more efficiently.
Change your spark plugs
Spark plugs are another crucial contributor to your car’s performance that often go neglected. In fact, deteriorated spark plugs can decrease fuel efficiency by up to 30%, according to Motoring About. You should renew yours every 60,000 miles if you want to get the best from your vehicle.
Even if you’ve never seen a spark plug before, you’ll still be able to change yours in about an hour if you have access to some basic tools. First, find the right spark plugs for your make and model of car using the spark plug finder on the Autosessive site. Then just follow Thought Co.’s step-by-step guide to replacing your spark plugs and you’ll be done in no time — no technical know-how needed.
By following these five fuel efficient tips, you’ll be on the road to better mileage in no time. If you want to do your bit for the planet, or just reduce your monthly expenses, this is the perfect place to start.