How to 'Green up' your driving
22nd February 2008
There now seem to be more and more options available for reducing the amount air pollution caused by driving your car. These can range from hybrid electric engines, to using biofuels instead of petrol, but one of the simplest and most effective ways is changing the way you drive your vehicle.
Of course we all know that reducing the amount of driving we do is the only real way to stop polluting the atmosphere; the added health benefits of walking and cycling more can help us to lead happier lives. However this is the real world and our often busy lifestyles make using a car in some situations difficult to resist.
When we do get behind the wheel of our beloved auto mobiles the way that we drive makes not only a huge difference to the amount of greenhouse gases we emit, but it can also save a lot of money and just make driving a less stressful and safer experience.
Accelerating causes the biggest increases in vehicle emissions. European tests have shown that unnecessarily heavy acceleration from traffic lights and subsequent braking at the next set only reduces travel time by 4% which is the equivalent of saving 2 ½ minutes on an hours journey. Yet this type of driving can increase fuel consumption by up to 37%.
It is therefore better to accelerate smoothly and to avoid over revving the engine (2000 to 2500rpm is the optimum point at which to change gears). Maintaining a further distance from the car in front will reduce the amount of times you have to apply the brake which also wastes energy. If you begin to think about these types of things next time you are out on the road, you can increase your vehicle's fuel economy up to 30%.
Just think as well, slowing down for the environment will save money in the long run and will go along way to reducing the chance that driving trips will become tense and stressful affairs. Slowing the pace gives us room to think, to enjoy our journeys and this applies to all aspects of our lives not just when we are in a car.