Smarter driving helps cut CO2 emissions (and reduces fuel bills). We can all do our bit to reduce CO2 emissions, says the Department of Transport.
Under inflated tyres create more resistance when your vehicle is moving, which means your engine has to work harder, so more fuel is used and more CO2 emissions are produced. Simply check and adjust your tyre pressures regularly and before long journeys. This will also help to increase the life of your tyres. Under inflated tyres increase CO2 but over inflated tyres can be unsafe so check your car manual for the correct tyre pressure. Remember, a car with a heavier load may need different air pressure in the tyres.
Less weight means less CO2, make sure you are only carrying what is needed for the journey
Driving at an appropriate speed reduces CO2
Speed limits are the maximum lawful speeds which may be driven in ideal circumstances. Drivers should never exceed the speed limit. Staying at or within the speed limit increases driver safety. It also reduces CO2 emissions and saves money on your petrol costs. At 70mph you could be using up to 9% more fuel than at 60mph and up to 15% more fuel than at 50mph. Use the AutoAlert speeding report to check for poor driving.
Check the AutoAlert stationary report for frequent stops which may not be needed. Less stopping and starting means less CO2.
Every time you stop then start again in a traffic queue, the engine uses more fuel and therefore produces more CO2. Keep an eye on the traffic ahead and slow down early by gently lifting your foot off the accelerator while keeping the car in gear. In this way, the traffic may have started moving again by the time you approach the vehicle in front, so you can then change gear and be on your way.
Over revving accelerates emissions. Modern vehicle engines are designed to be efficient from the moment they are switched on, so revving up like a Formula 1 car in pole position only wastes fuel and increases engine wear.
Using your gears wisely by changing up a gear a little earlier can also reduce revs. If you drive a diesel vehicle try changing up a gear when the rev counter reaches 2000rpm. For a petrol vehicle change-up at 2500rpm.
Idling is wasting fuel. When the engine is idling you’re wasting fuel and adding to CO2 emissions. If you’re likely to be at a standstill for more than 3 minutes, simply switch off the engine. Check the AutoAlert idling report for any vehicles idling for more than 5 minutes. In an LGV, this could also save you up to a litre of fuel an hour!
(c) Department of Transport. For further information, visit the Department of Transport website.
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