Optimal Tips for Greener Motoring

The simplest thing that can be done to save the earth is to bring back the electric car. That’s a suggestion we found in the acclaimed book 50 Simple Things You Can Do to Save the Earth, which has sold over five million copies worldwide. South Africa will soon be making significant advances on the electric car front, thanks to Joule. But before the arrival of Joule on the mass market, you can still cut the greenhouse gases you produce driving by taking simple steps that needn’t be as drastic as walking to work.

There are a few things you can do before even getting into your car. Plan your trip carefully. Work out the most efficient way of reaching your destination. Bypass congested routes, idle less and avoid stop-and-go traffic. Consolidate your errands. Consider forming a lift club with people from work – carrying four people in one car can avoid three single-driver cars emitting greenhouse gases and contributing to congestion and rush-hour stress.

Ensure that your car is well-tuned. Make sure the tyres are properly inflated and the air-con is in sound working condition. The Lancaster City Council argues that a poorly maintained car can increase your fuel costs by 10 percent, increasing harmful emissions correspondingly. We’re all better off without that 10 percent increase.

Now that your car is ‘greener’, steer your driving in the same direction. Accelerate smoothly; this will prevent the engine wasting fuel and unburned gas entering the atmosphere. Watch out for speeding, idling and not maintaining a steady speed; all these driving habits may cause unnecessary fuel usage. What about unnecessary weight? Those golf clubs in the boot, the ones you last used eons ago? All additional weight means extra fuel consumption. So if you don’t need them, keep them out.

These are just a few guidelines to help you live greener, cut your fuel costs, and reduce damage to the planet and to the well-being of future generations.