We all know that we should be doing as much as we can to reduce global warming.
Most people have busy lives and sometimes it’s a necessity to jump in the car instead of walking to your nearby destination but if we all try and do what we can, it all adds up to help to reduce carbon emissions.
Here are some tips to reduce CO2 emissions when driving, both by modifying your driving habits and your vehicle choice:
Driving habits:
- Drive less: This is the most effective way to reduce emissions. Consider walking, cycling, taking public transport, or carpooling whenever possible. A knock-on benefit is that you are supporting local businesses when shopping.
- Drive efficiently: Smoothly accelerate and brake, avoid idling, and maintain a steady speed. Incredibly, these techniques can improve fuel efficiency by up to 20%.
- Plan your trips: Combine errands into one trip to avoid unnecessary driving. Use GPS or mapping apps to find the most efficient route.
- Use cruise control: Cruise control can help you maintain a steady speed, which can improve fuel efficiency.
- Reduce weight in your car: A lighter car will get better fuel mileage. If you are anything like us you will have a boot full of ‘stuff’ so remove unnecessary items from your boot and back seat.
- Try to avoid using air conditioning unless necessary: Air conditioning can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 20%. Open windows instead when the weather is nice and enjoy our lovely fresh air.
- Maintain your car properly: Regularly check your tyre pressure and change your oil and air filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. A well-maintained car will run more efficiently and emit less CO2. Don’t forget that we are always happy to check your tyre pressures for you and arrange a maintenance schedule.
Vehicle choice:
- Choose a fuel-efficient car: Look for cars with high fuel economy ratings. Hybrid and electric cars produce significantly lower emissions than petrol, and diesel powered cars.
- Consider the size and weight of your car: Smaller and lighter cars generally get better fuel economy than larger and heavier cars.
By following these tips, you can help reduce your CO2 emissions and make a positive impact on the environment.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- The Government website information on low emission vehicles https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/office-for-low-emission-vehicles
- Help reducing our carbon footprint at the Energy Saving Trust https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/low-carbon-travel/
- The RAC give advice on how to use cruise control
https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/driving-advice/cruise-control/
Let’s all do what we can as every little helps. Call in to any of our branches to have your tyre pressures checked or speak to any of our team for advice on cost effective vehicle maintenance.
As East Anglia’s largest tyre company, Treadfirst offers a range of services to vehicles of all types. With branches across the region, our team provides car servicing and repairs, MOT tests, tyre fitting and more. For more information on what we do, get in touch now.
