Technology has helped motorists become more eco-friendly with energy efficient innovations and will continue to do so in the future. This, combined with small changes all drivers can make to the way they drive puts us on the road to a greener future.
The Buzz Car Insurance shares 10 easy tips to help you drive greener and save some money.
1. Go easy on the accelerator: Stick to the speed limit. Speeding burns excess fuel. Avoid excessive and frequent braking and accelerating to make your fuel tank last longer. When driving downhill, choosing the right gear and letting the engine do the downhill braking rather than only using the brakes can save fuel.
2. Lighten your load: Still got the gear from last summer’s camping trip in your boot? Clean up the junk from your car. Dragging excess weight around burns more fuel. If you have roof racks on the car which you’re not using, take them off as they only cause drag and increase fuel consumption.
3. Turn off air conditioning: Unless it is very hot or you need to demist, ask yourself if you really need the air conditioning. Open the windows instead to save petrol.
4. Check the tyre pressure: don’t over or under inflate the tyres. Incorrect tyre pressure can damage the tyres and lead to higher fuel consumption. Always check your tyre pressures when the tyres are cold.
5. Plan your trip: use a street directory or a GPS to choose the fastest and easiest route. Avoid rush hour. Use public transport when possible. Combine chores to reduce number of trips.
6. Service your car regularly: Always make sure your car is regularly serviced as dirty air filters, worn out spark plugs and even old sludgy oil in the engine can affect fuel consumption.
7. Share the ride: Car pooling is the simplest way to reduce your carbon footprint. Give your neighbour, colleague and friends a lift or ask for one. You’ll save on petrol and reduce traffic on road.
8. Walk or ride: Get those walking shoes out and walk or ride where you can. It’s great for your health too.
9. Give your car an eco friendly wash: Wash on the grass instead of driveway. Use a trigger-type hose attachment to reduce water usage. Choose bio-degradable, earth friendly cleaning products.
10. Buy green: When its time to get a new car, check its “green rating”. Australian Government’s The Green Vehicle Guide website has ratings for new Australian vehicles based on greenhouse and air pollution emissions.
If your car has a trip computer, switch it to the average fuel consumption display. This can help you to learn how your driving habits can affect your fuel consumption.
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The content, thoughts and opinions stated in this article are of the relevant contributors. The Buzz Insurance do not necessarily share or endorse those opinions. Neither The Buzz Insurance nor any of its employees makes any warranty, expressed or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product, or process disclosed.
