Green tips for saving petrol

As drivers of vehicles, there are also some steps we can take so that our driving doesn’t create more emissions. This also has the added bonus of reducing your petrol consumption!
Why decrease emissions? Car emissions contribute to global warming as they contain greenhouse gases which react to warm the earth’s atmosphere. Car engines produce emissions which contain unburnt hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, ozone and oxides of nitrogen. Global warming is now recognised globally as a real concern.

The negative impacts of global warming include melting polar icecaps, increasing sea levels, a higher frequency of storm events, drought, crop loss and an increase in disease, all of which will impact humans’ existence. Despite what you believe about global warming, it’s safe to say that pollution from vehicle exhausts is not beneficial to anyone!

Driving tips to help you save petrol and reduce emissions

1. Do not accelerate or decelerate suddenly.

2. Do not pump your accelerator while stationary. This floods the engine and wastes fuel.

3. Drive in the correct gear so that the car does not waste fuel in too low a gear, or labour in too high a gear when going up hill.

4. Drive off immediately after starting your car, and drive gently until the car has warmed up.

5. Get organised, complete as many errands in a single trip as possible, while the car is warm.

6. Switch off your car when sitting in heavy traffic.

7. Use your air-conditioning less as this increases fuel consumption.

Car usage and maintenance tips to help you save petrol and reduce emissions
1. Have your car serviced and tuned regularly. 2. Reduce the amount of weight carried in the car, heavier loads use more fuel.  700L of fuel per year is used for every 1/2 tonne of weight carried. 3. Inflate tyres to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer, and check regularly. Tyres that are incorrectly inflated waste fuel. 4. Minimise wind resistance, close your windows and remove roof racks when not in use.