Eco Safe Driving |
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Tim HillerbyMorgan
24 September 2009
The problem
The growth of motor traffic is causing the world a lot of problems.
It is likely that we will run out of oil within the next few decades.
Pollution is getting worse. Your car produces a long list of toxic gasses every time you use it. These gases go into the air and stay there for a long time. They damage the environment and contribute to global warming.
We have no option but to reduce the amount of fuel we use. This will reduce the amount of pollution that we create. It will increase the time that the world has to adapt to the end of the oil.
Moreover - it will save you money. An average UK driver will save about £800 a year. In the USA, an average driver will save about $500 a year.
Step one -choosing
- Pick the right gearbox.
o An automatic gearbox uses 10% more fuel than a manual, or stick shift.
- Pick the right fuel
o Diesel engines can use up to 20% less fuel than equivalent petrol engines. They produce less CO2 but lots more particulates. These particulates cause damage to buildings and reduce air quality.
o LPG is not a green product. It is a by-product of the oil industry. It was burned off at the refinery. Now it is used in cars and heating systems. It is 6% less efficient than petrol.
o Hybrid cars combine an electric motor with a petrol engine. This system has a lot of potential as a green system. Some hybrid models are more fuel efficient than their conventional versions. Others are less fuel-efficient.
o Fuel cell systems. Very green but no infrastructure
Step two - Care for your car.
When your car is serviced, the garage will tune the engine to make sure that it is working properly. A properly tuned engine uses less fuel. The older your car the more care and attention it will need.
Properly inflated tyres can save you up to 15 miles a gallon. I check my tyres every week. If I forget, I notice the difference in my wallet.
Step three - Loose some weight
A cars engine does not reach its operating temperature for about a quarter mile. It will use more fuel in the first five minutes of a journey than it will in the next five minutes. If you can walk there and back, you should walk there and back.
If you can use public transport then use it.
You car was designed to work at a certain power to weight ratio. If you add heavy items to the car, it has to work harder to produce the same effect. If you take the heavy junk out of your car, you will use less fuel.
Roof boxes, sat navs, mobile phone chargers, open windows and air conditioning waste fuel. Try to do without them.
Step four 'driving style'
Accelerating and braking waste fuel.
Your car uses more fuel when it is increasing speed and slowing down using the brakes. A smooth driving style saves you fuel.
Try to look well ahead and react to problems as soon as you see them. This will let you react by reducing your pressure on the gas pedal.
My articles on hazard perception will help you to develop a smooth driving style