A Col Crawford Lifestyle Cars Special Report - Green Your Car

How to Improve Your Car’s Environmental Impact

Benefit the environment and save money when you "green" your car through better maintenance and these simple driving tips and techniques from Col Crawford Lifestyle Cars.

By Steve Crawford of Col Crawford, Sydney Car Service Experts

It’s always good to save money and do our bit to save the environment, so how do you green your car? And what do we mean by “green” anyway, as it is a term that is bandied around a lot more often these days?

In the automotive world "greening" generally means anything that assists in reducing emissions from vehicle use. The most common emission is carbon dioxide, which is a major contributor to the current environmental state.

Whether or not you believe in global warming theories, reducing carbon dioxide levels is a good thing. And don’t forget, greening your car and driving habits will save you money. You will use less fuel and cause less wear and tear on your car. A lot of the things you can do may seem obvious, and may be minor, but they all add up to more money in your pocket.

Look After Your Vehicle's Tyres

Tyre Pressure, Alignment Are Key

Ensuring you have correct tyre pressure it vital to your cars performance, and long-life. Make sure you inflate your vehicle's tyres to the pressure recommended. You should ensure your tyre pressure is checked regularly. The correct tyre pressure for your car is found on the driver’s door post, and in the driver’s manual. If you want a demonstration about how to check your tyre pressure, I have the lovely Chris from our Honda service centre (who incidentally was apprentice of the year) outside who will show you how to check it. (Remember to keep your spare tire inflated as well).

Also make sure that your wheels are properly aligned, as poor alignment will cause your car to run poorly, use more fuel and result in unnecessary wear and tear. Looking after your tyres will not only reduce your fuel consumption it will also extend tyre life and improve handling.

Speed Kills Economy

High Speeds Result in High Fuel Consumption

At 110 km/h your car can use up to 25% more fuel than it would cruising at 90 km/h. Slowing down saves money and is safer.

Drive In High Gear

RPM, Proper Gear

The engine runs most efficiently between around 1,500 and 2,500 rpm (lower in diesels). To maintain these low revs you should change up through the gears as soon as practical and before the revs reach 2,500 rpm. Automatic transmissions will shift up more quickly and smoothly if you ease back slightly on the accelerator once the car gathers momentum.

Travel Light

More Weight = More Fuel Use

Don't carry more people or cargo than you have to. The more a vehicle carries the more fuel it uses; an extra 50kg of weight can increase your fuel bill by around 2%.

Use Air Conditioning Sparingly

Sometimes Good, Sometimes Bad

Air conditioners can use extra fuel when operating. However, at speeds of over 80 km/h, the use of air conditioning is better for fuel consumption than an open window.

Drive Smoothly

Avoid Unnecessary Acceleration

Drive at a good distance from the car in front so you can anticipate and travel with the flow of traffic. You will be able to see such things as traffic lights changing or cars turning and minimise your fuel use through braking and accelerating back up to full speed.

Minimise Fuel Wasted In Idling

Turn the Engine Off

Minimise fuel wasted in idling by stopping the engine whenever your car is stopped or held up for an extended period of time. By having the engine switched off, even for a short period, you will save more fuel than is lost from the burst of fuel involved in restarting the engine. It is an urban myth that this practice will increase wear and tear on your vehicle.

Minimise Aerodynamic Drag

Close Windows

Additional parts on the exterior of a vehicle such as roof racks and spoilers, or having the window open, increases air resistance and fuel consumption, in some cases by over 20%.