Can I affect the environment through the way I drive?

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Can I affect the environment through the way I drive

In a word, absolutely. The way in which you drive is almost as important as the car that you choose to buy.

Driving efficiently can not only save you money by improving your car’s Miles per Gallon (MPG), but it can also cut global warming pollution.

Driving smoothly makes a big difference to fuel expenditure – rapid acceleration and braking does nothing for your fuel economy, the environment, or road safety. Keeping your tyres inflated and your oil level stable will allow your car to run as efficiently as possible.

Travelling light, keeping your roof racks clear and using air-conditioning sparingly will also improve your fuel economy.

Keeping your car well maintained also makes environmental sense. Engine tuning measures such as checking spark plugs, belts, hoses, air filters and oxygen sensors are all effective and could save you money in the long run.

One of the principal ways to increase you fuel economy and benefit the environment is to leave your car at home. Another way around this is to car-pool, or share trips with people. That way, as well as saving money, you are also helping to save the environment.

If commuters could work from home for one day per week, the savings on oil and reduction in carbon dioxide emissions would be staggering.