Guest Post: How to Drive Greener

Source: Sujin Jetkasettakorn, Freedigitalphotos.net

There is a lot of information about how cars are affecting the environment. On top of that, the cost of fuel is increasing considerably, which leads to spending more money while driving. With some simple steps, you can change your driving so that you save money and protect the environment.

Looking for a New Car?

If you are looking for a new car, think carefully about the type that you buy. Hybrids are becoming popular for various reasons and one of those is the cost. Hybrid cars do not emit as many pollutants into the air since they also run on electricity so you will protect the environment. At the same time, you save money on fuel and road tax.

Keep Your Car in a Good Condition

Driving around with damaged exhausts and mechanical problems will just lead to a negative effect on the environment. Take the time to fix problems, even if they seem minor. This will also help you save money in the long term as there is less chance of a small problem escalating into a large one.

This is not just about fixing your car when there is a problem. It also means that you need to maintain your car, such as keeping the air in the tires at the optimum levels and checking the condition that the tires are in. This will help you drive more efficiently and protect the environment at the same time.

Remove the Clutter from the Car

Once you have finished using heavy objects, remove them from the car. This includes bike racks, luggage racks and items in your boot. A heavier car will use more fuel, which costs you more money and means that more pollutants are being released into the air. It does not cost a penny to move those items into the home after use.

Avoid Using the Air Conditioning

Once you are driving over 50mph, there is no difference in the amount of fuel used when opening the windows compared to using the air-conditioning; however, when driving below 50mph, using the air-conditioning means using more fuel. Open the windows and let the fresh air in on a warm day; this is also better for your health!

Avoid Braking or Accelerating Quickly

The longer your vehicle moves for, the lower the emissions being let into the air. When you are coming to a stop, start braking sooner and do it slowly. This will mean that the vehicle remains moving for longer and you are less likely to come to a complete stop. When accelerating, avoid putting your foot to the floor right away; allow the car to speed up slowly to burn less fuel.

It is not difficult to drive greener and it will help you save money. Just some simple changes to your driving style or the vehicle that you drive will help to cut down on the emissions let into the air. Start making the changes today and reap the benefits.