In addition to the conservation of energy in your home, becoming more energy efficient can extend to the way that you use your car. Nowadays, cars are a necessity for most people. If you have a family that includes children, owning a car is practically a requirement. Petrol consumption likely accounts for a significant portion of your monthly costs, and learning how to drive with energy efficiency in mind can help you save both money and fuel.
If you have a newer car, its engine might automatically turn off when the transmission is in neutral and the vehicle is stationary. If your car is older, consider turning off the engine if you are stopped for more than 10 seconds. A car's idling engine uses 1 to 2 litres of petrol per hour. Drive at consistent speeds. Rapid acceleration and sudden braking use up more petrol than necessary. Use your car's brakes gently to conserve petrol and keep your vehicle in a good shape.
Remember that slowing down is more efficient than stopping and starting up again. You should always maintain the posted speed for the road where you are driving. Understand that fuel economy drops rapidly at speeds greater than 50 mph. You can also focus on the revolutions per minute (RPM) of your car. Maintaining lower RPMs helps to reduce fuel consumption. If you have a manual transmission, gear up for every 2000 RPM.
Consider the weight of your vehicle. Instead of hauling around extra items, take them out. Whenever possible, put luggage and other items inside of the car's boot rather than on a roof rack. The roof rack adds drag and reduces mileage, so remove it if you can.
Check your tire pressure once per month. When your tires are properly inflated, they deliver better fuel economy. Under-inflated tires wear faster, use more fuel and increase your risk of losing control of the vehicle.
If possible, walk or bicycle to destinations that are close by. Carpooling, using mass transit and telecommuting might also be an option. In addition, try combining many errands into one trip, mapping the most efficient route. If there is a traffic issue on a route you usually take, consider other ways to get to your destination.
While driving at slower speeds on a hot day, open the windows. Employ the car's air conditioner if you are driving at speeds greater than 60 mph. During the wintertime, avoid warming up your car for more than 30 seconds. The engine warms up while driving and your heat will activate sooner. Also, rather than waiting for ice or snow to melt, use a scraper or brush and do it by hand.
You can improve your car's efficiency by 1 to 2% from using the right blend of motor oil. Replacing your car's dirty air filter boosts its performance. Regular tune-ups by your mechanic could improve your car's fuel economy by up to 40% if the vehicle has a major problem such as a faulty oxygen sensor.
When the time comes to replace your car, consider a fuel-efficient option such as a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle or an alternative fuel vehicle.
In general, hybrid vehicles are a good choice for city drivers because the slower city speeds allow for the greater use of the more efficient electrical engine. Hybrids are also quiet and have plug-in batteries that can store a significant amount of energy. They do cost much more than a diesel fuelled car, which offers a higher level of efficiency at highway speeds. Diesel engines are also optimal for driving long distances.
Electric cars come with rechargeable batteries. The batteries store energy to power the engine. To recharge the battery, you can visit recharging facilities located at public areas throughout the UK.
In the UK, government grants may help to pay for up to 35% of the cost of a plug-in car, based upon its emissions level. Electric cars can fit a family of four and have a range of about 90 miles.
Before you go anywhere, make sure to check the availability of recharging stations. If you recharge at home, prepare to have higher electricity bills, but you will not have to pay for petrol.
To sum up, driving smarter and properly maintaining your car can help to conserve fuel and your money. When you are ready for a new car, consider purchasing an energy efficient model that offers flexible fuel options that fit into your driving patterns and your overall energy-saving lifestyle.