Even though modern cars are sophisticated machines, petrol and Diesel-powered vehicles still pollute the environment with their fumes. So, for motorists to reduce their carbon footprint, they need to drive ‘green.’ Find out how minor adjustments to how you drive and operate your car on the road can significantly reduce fuel consumption and thus any negative e impact on the environment.1
How do you drive? 1
Are you one of those who drive as if you are late for the plane, or are you a relaxed motorist? The way some motorists dangerously speed up in traffic affects fuel economy and gas emissions. Generally, maintain the engine at speeds between 1200 and 3000 rpm, and change gears timeously. Avoid driving any unnecessary kilometres through good planning and combining many things in one trip.
Is your car serviced regularly? 1
Cars all need to be serviced regularly for optimal running of engines. If a car is not running well, it tends to use more fuel than necessary, thus pollutes the atmosphere more than it should.
Preferably use air-conditioning1
Most modern cars today are equipped with climate control. Preferably use climate control as it causes less fuel consumption than keeping the windows open, which creates considerable drag on the car. Still, bear in mind to use air-conditioning sparingly as it uses extra fuel. In winter, you will be able to keep the windows closed could help save when it comes to your vehicle’s fuel consumption.
How often do you check the tyre pressure? 1
Whenever you go to the garage to fill up, make sure tyre pressures are correct. Consult your handbook for such information, especially seeing pressures can change depending on the load carried. Under-inflated tyres create a lot of extra friction on the road, causing a car to work harder and use more fuel.
Eliminate unnecessary weight1
You may have forgotten about that heavy bag of fertilizer that is still in the boot, but dragging that extra weight everywhere means the car will use more fuel.
Enjoy the journey1
Why not relax and enjoy the trip instead of anxiously speeding everywhere? Not only is it better on your nerves, but also fuel usage and the environment.
Don’t try and catch the green traffic light1
Orange should mean stop because rushing to get through will invariably mean you go through a red light. On the other hand, by driving in a relaxed manner, you may well catch all the green lights anyway and save fuel.
What about high speeds? 1
It’s much better, fuel wise, to travel at an economical pace such as 100 km/hr than driving at the speed limit. Fuel consumption increases dramatically the faster you travel. How often haven’t we seen a motorist racing in city traffic only to find the car still behind your car 3 traffic lights later?
Travelling slower at a relaxed speed also reduces the risk of having an accident. Have you ensured your car with good car insurance cover? Are you satisfied with your current car insurance cover? Don’t hesitate to call PMD, who can provide you with all the information you may require regarding their affordable car insurance products, which have great unique benefits like fixed premiums* and a reduce to zero excess*. T’s and C’s apply.
Source:
1 https://www.europcar.co.za/straight2business/Content/driving-tips
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.