Many of us have to drive. There is no way around it. But we want to do it as green and as economically as possible. So, until we can get access to affordable zero emissions vehicles, there are a few practical steps we can take to pollute less and save money. Most of these common sense tips will allow you to save more then 10% on your fuel bill as you reduce your CO2 emissions. No matter what you drive, these simple steps will make a difference.

1. Regular Servicing –
Get your car serviced regularly to maintain engine efficiency. Refer to your handbook to ensure that you are using the correct specification of engine oil.

2. Clear your roof –
Remove your roof rack when you are not using it. Roof racks and boxes create extra wind resistance, which always increases fuel consumption.

3. Tyre pressure –
Check the pressures of your tyres. Besides being unsafe, under-inflated tyres mean extra resistance and more fuel consumption. Under-inflated tyres up your emissions by three percent.

4. Travel light –
The heavier the car, the more fuel you will consume. Make sure you aren’t carrying unnecessary weight in your trunk.

5. Get a GPS/map routes beforehand–
Reduce the chance of getting lost by planning accordingly. Google Maps, or a good GPS system can help save time, money and the environment. Be sure to check the traffic news before you go.

6. Combine trips whenever possible –
Go grocery shopping, pay your bills, and pick up the kids all in the same outing. It is inefficient to make multiple short trips, so try combining errands.

7. Think before you drive –
A cold engine consumes more fuel and pollutes more than a warm engine. The emission control system needs to warm up to be efficient. So, think about walking, or cycling when you have to go on short trips.

8. Avoid idling –
Don't waste fuel by starting the engine until you're ready to go. The engine warms up quicker if the car is moving smoothly (don’t rev). Turn the engine off if you think you might be waiting for more than three minutes.

9. Be smooth –
You can get there just as quickly and save fuel and CO2 emissions by driving smoothly and accelerating gently. Avoid unnecessary braking.

10. Get into second and fourth gear fast -
Although driving on third may allow you to slow down and accelerate quickly, it’s tough on your wallet and on the environment. High gears are more economical with fuel, according to the EU. Try changing up at an engine speed of around 2000 rpm in a diesel car, or around 2500 rpm in a petrol car.

11. Prepare to stop –
Avoid abrupt breaking. When you have to slow down or to stop, decelerate smoothly. Release the accelerator and let the car slow down on it’s own. If your car is manual, leave it in gear to slow down before breaking. Don’t rush to stop.

12. Easy on the air conditioning -
Prefer to roll down your window when it gets too hot. Air conditioning adds approximately five per cent to your CO2 emissions. Air conditioning increases fuel consumption at low speeds, but not necessarily at at high speeds. At least nothing noticeable. However, be sure to run your air conditioning at least once a week to keep it from breaking down.

13. Close your windows on the expressway -
Having windows open while driving in high speeds increases resistance, which cuts your fuel economy. Closing your windows when traveling 70 mph, or more, can cut your fuel consumption and carbon emissions by ten per cent.

14. Turn it off –
Electricity increases fuel consumption. When you don't need them, turn off your headlight, and your heated rear windscreen.

15. Stick to the limits –
Avoid speeding. The faster you go the greater the fuel consumption and pollution. Driving at 70mph uses up to 9% more fuel than when driving at 60mph, and up to 15% more than when traveling at 50mph, according to the Department for Transport. In fact, cruising at 80mph can use up to 25% more fuel than at 70mph.

For more fuel consumption data visit the U.K. Department for Transport's website: www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk/

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