Drive change for the better
In this issue of EM we explore cars and just how to make them greener. Your choice of vehicle is the most important issue, but how you drive and maintain it may also have an impact. We provide you with some interesting tips and facts.
Greener transport
- Every mile you walk is estimated to add 20 minutes to your life. Walking is the greenest form of transport!
- Your car uses least fuel when the engine is ticking over and you are not using the pedals. Keeping this in mind, coast towards red lights, over long distances, and constantly drive at a lower speed to avoid stopping and starting the engine. At 60mph fuel consumption rises by 17% and at 70mph by 29%. An energy - aware driving style can save up to 13% on your fuel consumption.
- Don't drive with unnecessary baggage or bars on the top of your car when possible. These make the car less aerodynamic and you will burn more fuel than you need to during your journey.
- Buy high-quality or long-life tyres instead of the cheap versions that will wear out quickly. The high quality versions actually cost less per kilometre travelled and reduce the problem of disposing of the worn tyres.
- Service your car regularly to make sure your engine is running at its optimal level. This ensures that the fuel you buy is being used as efficiently as possible, minimising the adverse environmental effects.
- A cold engine uses significantly more fuel than a warm engine. Drive off gently as soon as possible after starting your engine and use the choke sparingly. An open choke increases fuel consumption by 50% - 100 %.
- Be aware that the use of electrical devices increases fuel consumption. The rear window cleaner for example increases consumption by approximately 5%. So switch it off if the window is clear.
- Carbon Dioxide is the main greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. It is emitted by burning of fossil fuels. When petrol or diesel fuel is burnt to power a car engine the main by products are water vapour and CO2. About 100kg is emitted per 40litres of petrol or diesel.
Consider a car that's greener
Biofuels
Biofuels (biodiesel and
bioethanol) are more
environmentally friendly than
petrol or diesel because they
come from renewable sources.
Biofuels are mixed with petrol
or diesel and all cars can run on
petrol / diesel with up to five
per cent biofuel blended in.
Cars that can run on an 85%
blend of bioethanol (known as
E85) are also available.
Electric cars
Electric cars do not produce any
emissions when they drive.
Hybrid cars
Hybrid cars use a petrol engine
combined with a battery and
are very fuel efficient without
any compromise on
performance.
Liquid petroleum gas
Liquid petroleum gas (LPG) cars
are not available for purchase
here but petrol cars can be
converted. Converting an older
petrol car can bring local air
quality pollutant emissions
more in line with more modern
cars - but will only continue to
do so if the conversion is well
engineered and maintained.
Eco-driving
If a new car is not in the pipeline
for you then look into ecodriving.
This is a phrase that is
cropping up more and more
these days. It's a way of driving
at low engine revolutions and
therefore as a result you use less
fuel. This results in you
reducing your emissions and
saving you money!
For more informaion see www.greencar.com EM
