Green Driving Tips

Green driving can not only reduce your impact on the environment, it can also help your hip pocket. By following these simpletips, you can reduce your cars emissions by up to 8% and reduce your annual fuel bill.

Tip #1- Drive less

• Cut out short journeys. Vehicles are least fuel efficient and most polluting at the start of trips and on short trips. If you can walk or use a bike you can benefit the environment, your wallet and your health.
• Plan your journey to take the shortest route and avoid doubling back on yourself when running errands. Combine a number of short trips into one.
• Carpool or use public transport when you can. You'll save money, reduce congestion on the roads and help cut greenhouse emissions.
  

Tip #2- Drive smoothly

• Stop / Start driving is much less efficient and more polluting than driving at a constant speed. Keep an eye on the traffic ahead and slow down early by gently lifting your foot off the accelerator instead of heavy braking.
• Take it easy on the accelerator - more revs means more petrol.
• Avoid peak hour traffic for optional trips.
  

Tip #3- Don’t speed

• Fuel consumption increases significantly at higher speeds. At 110km/h your car uses up to 25% more fuel than it would cruising at 90km/h.
• Use cruise control, to help maintain a steadier speed which will help you save fuel and reduce your emissions.
• Avoid putting a heavy foot on the accelerator. Stepping on the gas pedal will burn more fuel inefficiently and increase emissions.
  

Tip #4- Reduce your load

• Clutter in your vehicle all adds to the overall weight of your vehicle, and the more it weighs, the more fuel it uses. Only carry what you need and leave the heavy items at home when you don't need them.
• Reduce your loadAdditional parts on the exterior of a vehicle such as roof racks and spoilers, can increase air resistance and fuel consumption by over 20%. Take off roof and bike racks when not in use.
• Close your windows particularly at high speeds.
  

Tip #5- Think before switching on the air

• Air-conditioners use about 10% extra fuel. However, at speeds of over 80 km/h, air-conditioning is better for fuel consumption than opening a window which creates aerodynamic drag.
• Park your vehicle in the shade to cool the air inside and use a garage in case of cold weather, to reduce your heating needs.
  

Tip #6- Maintain, maintain

• A properly serviced and maintained vehicle will minimise green house gasses and emissions as well as help prevent expensive repairs.
• Properly inflated tyres will reduce your vehicles fuel consumption. Under inflated tyres create greater resistance and cause premature wear. Check your tyre pressures regularly to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
  

Tip #7- Pick the right gear

• Driving in a lower gear than you need increases your fuel consumption. In a manual try to change gears up as soon as the vehicle is comfortable with the higher gear. In an Automatic use overdrive if available when driving on highways.
  

Tip #8- Stop idling

• Most modern cars don’t need to be warmed up before driving.
• If your stopped for more than 3 minutes, turn the engine off and start again when required.