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Eco-driving essentials: How to reduce your emissions while driving
We’re all doing what we can to reduce our impact on this earth, and it’s no different when it comes to driving. A few smart tweaks to how you maintain and drive your car can absolutely help you reduce your driving emissions. There’s even a name for this thoughtful approach: it’s referred to as eco-driving. So what’s involved? From driving techniques to route planning, let's explore how we can all make our car trips cleaner and greener.
But first – which emissions are we talking about?
Conventional car engines emit greenhouse gases (mainly consisting of carbon dioxide, or CO2), as well as particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A car’s CO2 emissions tend to be closely linked to its fuel consumption, so generally any measures you can take to cut down fuel use will also help to reduce driving emissions.
Let’s look at the first tip, and it’s a really simple one.
Take care of your tyres
Underinflated tyres tend to use more fuel due to added drag, so be sure to keep them inflated to the recommended pressure listed inside the door frame, fuel door or car manual. Your choice of tyres also matters, as those with a lower rolling resistance can reduce fuel consumption without necessarily sacrificing traction or braking performance. As a bonus, looking after your tyres also helps to lengthen their life while giving you a smoother ride.
Travel light
We’re not saying it’s necessary to strip out the car seats and leave your passengers behind, but losing any unnecessary weight can definitely reduce your emissions while driving.
Every 45kg removed from the car could lower fuel consumption by around 2%, which definitely ends up being pretty substantial over a year. So, consider emptying out that boot and leaving all those bits and bobs at home until you need them.
Get your car serviced regularly
A car that runs like the well-oiled machine it should be will require less fuel to get from A to B. So make sure you get your car serviced according to the logbook, and address any mechanical issues as promptly as possible. Less friction and a trouble-free drive will help you bring down those emissions, and have you stopping at the service station less often too.
