Drive more eco-friendly for 2013

Date posted: January 7, 2013

Why not make ‘driving eco-friendly’ one of your New Years resolutions for 2013? We’ve put together some top tips on how you can make your driving habits a little greener for the New Year…

Believe it or not, there’s plenty you can do when it comes to driving habits to make your way of the road a little more eco-friendly, even if you don’t drive an eco-friendly vehicle such as an electric or hybrid vehicle. You can also save money along the way, which means that sticking to this NY resolution will benefit your pocket, as well as the environment.

Before you set off

There is in fact plenty you can do before hitting the road which will encourage eco-friendly driving, such as:

• Keeping tires properly inflated. As well as for obvious safety reasons, keeping your tires properly inflated tires can actually improve your gas mileage by more than 3 percent.
• Using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil.
• Keeping your engine properly tuned, otherwise up to four per cant of fuel mileage can be wasted.
• Removing any heavy items (that you don’t need) from your car. Does your vehicle have a roof rack or unnecessary luggage in the boot? If you don’t need any of this for your journey then consider removing it completely; an extra few hundred pounds will cut a typical car’s fuel economy by almost 2 per cent.
• Thinking about your journey – have you planned the best fuel-saving route? If you own more than one vehicle and you’re planning a long journey, are you driving the most eco-friendly one?

Once you’re on the road

Once you’re behind the wheel, be responsible with your driving. Although it’s perfectly obvious that you shouldn’t speed, fuel declines rapidly above 60mph and you could find yourself running out a lot quicker. Drive sensibly and stick to the speed limits. If you experience a spat of road rage then don’t respond with aggressive driving; remain calm and stick to a sensible speed.

Also try to avoid excessive idling as this can take it’s toll on your fuel levels.

Buying a new car this year?

If you are in fact planning on buying a new vehicle for 2013 then why not consider purchasing an electric vehicle? They are becoming increasingly popular and are extremely environmentally friendly.

Gas hybrids use a fuel-efficient gas engine, while the main power is supplemented by an electric engine. Electric vehicles are deemed highly cost-effective in the long run and are perfect for those who drive purely to and from work or drive for a short period each day.

In London, electric cars are completely exempt from paying the congestion charge and are also completely free from road tax.