This sounds like a contradiction, given that motor vehicles contribute significantly to pollution in the UK, and around the World. However, you can choose options that will help to reduce the overall emissions your vehicle produces.
- Drive at a controlled and steady pace, changing up into the next highest gear as soon as it is possible. Sudden acceleration and braking uses more fuel, and the more fuel you use, the greater the emissions will be. The best speed for fuel economy is between 50-60mph.
- Hills – Going up you should remain in the highest gear possible, keeping the speed constant. Coming down, it is best to keep in the same gear as going up. This uses the engine for braking rather than the brakes, so using less fuel. It is best not to coast down as you will only end up using the brakes more.
- In traffic jams, switch off your engine. Don’t sit there revving, and even idling uses fuel.
- Take off roof racks/boxes whenever they are not being used. They significantly reduce your vehicles fuel economy. When in use, put smaller items at the front in order to reduce the wind resistance.
- Use the cool air vents – air conditioning and opening windows will render your vehicle less economical by increasing fuel consumption by 8-10%!
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