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How to help the Environment
and improve your fuel consumption
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In March 2007
the Department for Transport launched the ACT ON CO2
communications campaign to give advice on how you can help
to reduce CO2, providing tips on ’smarter’, more fuel
efficient driving and purchasing a more fuel efficient
vehicle. You can search online for ACT ON CO2 for more
information and the Best on CO2 rankings in association with
What Car? which show the top ten most fuel efficient cars in
each class. |
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There are a
number of simple ways that you can reduce the emissions when
you drive: |
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Pump up to cut down |
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Under-inflated tyres create more resistance when your car is
moving, which means your engine has to work harder, so more
fuel is used and more CO2 emissions are produced. Simply
check and adjust your tyre pressures regularly and also
before long journeys. This will also help to increase the
life of your tyres. |
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Less clutter in your car means less
CO2 |
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Clutter in
your boot is extra weight your engine has to lug around. By
removing it, you could reduce your engine’s workload. This
will burn less fuel and cut your CO2 emissions, so unload
any items you won’t need for your journey before you set
out. |
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Less stopping and starting means less
CO2
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Every time
you stop then start again in a traffic queue, the engine
uses more fuel and therefore produces more CO2. Keep an eye
on the traffic ahead and slow down early by gently lifting
your foot off the accelerator while keeping the car in gear.
In this way, the traffic may have started moving again by
the time you approach the vehicle in front, so you can then
change gear and be on your way. |
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Over revving accelerates emissions
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Modern car
engines are designed to be efficient from the moment they
are switched on, so revving up like a Formula 1 car in pole
position only wastes fuel and increases engine wear. Using
your gears wisely by changing up a gear a little earlier can
also reduce revs. If you drive a diesel car try changing up
a gear when the rev counter reaches 2000rpm. For a petrol
car try changing up at 2500rpm. |
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Idling is wasting fuel |
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When the
engine is idling you’re wasting fuel and adding to CO2
emissions. If you’re likely to be at a standstill for more
than 3 minutes, simply switch off the engine.
There is no easy technical way to deal with CO2. The best
way to reduce it and the other emissions is to use the car
only when it is necessary and to walk or use public
transport where possible. When you are choosing a vehicle
and you have selected the most appropriate class of vehicle
for your needs, choose the most fuel-efficient vehicle in
that group using the Best On CO2 rankings developed in
association with What Car?. The fuel consumption of similar
size cars can vary as much as 45% and by choosing the most
fuel efficient car in their class, rather than the average
emissions, can be reduced by up to 24%. |
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FURTHER HINTS FOR LESS ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT |
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Try to avoid using your car for short journeys -
use public transport, ride a bicycle or walk.
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Plan ahead - choose un-congested routes, combine
trips, car share.
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Cold starts - drive off as soon as possible after
starting.
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Drive smoothly and efficiently - harsh
acceleration and heavy braking have a very significant
effect on fuel consumption. Driving more smoothly saves
fuel.
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Slow down - driving at high speeds significantly
increases fuel consumption.
Use higher gears as soon as traffic conditions allow.
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Switch off - sitting stationary is zero miles per
gallon. Switch off the engine whenever it is safe to do
so.
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Lose weight - don’t carry unnecessary weight.
Remove roof racks when not in use.
Regular servicing helps keep the engine at best
efficiency.
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Keep the pressure up - make sure the tyres are
inflated to the correct pressure for the vehicle.
Do not compromise safety, but be aware that the use of
onboard electrical devices increases fuel consumption.
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Check your fuel consumption - it will help you
get the most from the car. Changes in overall fuel
consumption may indicate a fault.
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Use air-conditioning sparingly - running
air-conditioning continuously will increase fuel
consumption significantly.
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