Smart Driving: Save Fuel, Reduce Pollution

Saving fuel and reducing pollution are important for both the environment and your bank balance. There are many ways to achieve this, from choosing fuel-efficient vehicles to making small changes to your driving habits. For instance, walking or biking instead of driving, using public transportation, carpooling, and working from home can all help reduce the number of cars on the road and lower emissions. When driving, maintaining the correct tyre pressure, removing unnecessary weight, driving at optimal speeds, and reducing aggressive braking and acceleration can all contribute to saving fuel and cutting down on pollution.

Opt for fuel-efficient vehicles

When opting for a fuel-efficient vehicle, it is important to consider the fuel consumption of the car. Fuel-efficient vehicles can help save money on fuel costs and are better for the environment.

There are a variety of fuel-efficient vehicles available on the market, including electric vehicles, hybrids, and traditional combustion engine cars. Electric vehicles, such as the Tesla models sold by Hertz, are a great option for those looking for high fuel efficiency. Alternatively, hybrid vehicles, which use a combination of a traditional combustion engine and an electric motor, offer increased fuel efficiency over traditional gas-only cars. Some of the most fuel-efficient hybrids include the Hyundai Ioniq, Toyota Prius, and Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. These vehicles offer excellent fuel economy, with the Hyundai Ioniq and Toyota Prius offering up to 58/60/59 mpg and 58/53/56 mpg, respectively.

For those who prefer or require a traditional combustion engine vehicle, there are still options for fuel efficiency. The Mitsubishi Mirage, for example, offers excellent fuel efficiency with an EPA-combined rating of 39 mpg for the hatchback model and 37 mpg for the sedan (Mirage G4). The Honda Civic is another fuel-efficient option, with the hatchback model offering an EPA-combined rating of up to 35 mpg, and the sedan models achieving a combined rating of 33 mpg with the base 2.0-liter engine. The Hyundai Elantra is also a good choice, with an EPA-estimated combined rating of up to 36 mpg for the compact sedan.

When shopping for a fuel-efficient vehicle, it is important to consider your specific needs and budget. Electric vehicles and hybrids tend to be more expensive upfront, but can save money on fuel costs in the long run. Traditional combustion engine vehicles may be more affordable initially, but it is important to factor in the ongoing fuel costs, which can vary significantly depending on the engine's fuel efficiency. Additionally, it is worth considering the environmental impact of your choice, as fuel-efficient vehicles produce fewer emissions, contributing to a greener environment.

Reduce vehicle usage

Reducing vehicle usage is one of the most effective ways to save fuel and reduce pollution. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Use alternative modes of transportation

Consider walking or biking for shorter distances instead of driving. This not only reduces fuel consumption but also improves your health and fitness. For longer distances, opt for public transportation, such as buses or trains, which can significantly reduce the number of cars on the road during peak hours. Carpooling is another excellent option, as it decreases the number of vehicles on the road and saves money on fuel.

Work from home

If your job offers the flexibility to work from home, take advantage of it. Working remotely reduces your daily commute, saves fuel, and cuts down on travel expenses. It also contributes to reducing traffic congestion and the associated pollution.

Plan your trips efficiently

Whenever possible, plan your trips to make the most of your outings. Grouping errands together and planning your route in advance can help you avoid unnecessary driving. Combining multiple tasks, such as grocery shopping and other nearby stops, into one trip can reduce the overall distance travelled and save fuel.

Use ride-sharing services

When you can't use public transportation or carpool, consider using ride-sharing services. These services allow multiple passengers heading in the same direction to share a ride, reducing the number of vehicles on the road. This not only saves fuel but also provides a more economical and environmentally friendly option for commuters.

Optimise home deliveries

With the rise of online shopping, you can reduce vehicle usage by optimising home deliveries. Instead of having packages delivered individually, request to have all your items shipped together in one shipment to minimise the number of delivery trips. Additionally, choosing longer delivery windows allows delivery companies to optimise their routes and avoid unnecessary extra trips.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce vehicle usage, lower fuel consumption, and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

Maintain your car

Maintaining your car is an important part of vehicle ownership, and regular servicing can help to maintain your engine's fuel efficiency. Here are some key tips to maintain your car and reduce pollution:

Firstly, keep your tyres in good condition and at the correct pressure. Underinflated tyres have higher rolling resistance, which increases fuel consumption and lowers gas mileage. Check your tyre pressure regularly, at least once a month, and ensure it meets the recommended pressure found in the owner's manual. Also, check that your tyres have good tread and no nicks or bald spots, as this will improve safety and fuel efficiency.

Secondly, regular car servicing and maintenance are crucial. Sludge and corrosion can build up between engine parts if they are not properly maintained, making it harder for the engine to work smoothly. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule and use the recommended motor oil. Regular servicing will also help identify any issues, such as exhaust and oxygen sensor problems, which can impact fuel efficiency and increase pollution.

Another way to maintain your car is to reduce any unnecessary weight. The more weight your car carries, the harder it has to work, and the more fuel it will use. Remove any unnecessary items from your boot or roof rack, especially if you don't need them for a particular journey. On average, every extra 50kg increases fuel consumption by 2%.

In addition, keeping your engine cool is important for maintaining fuel efficiency. Using the correct engine coolant and high-performance engine oil can help reduce friction and improve fuel economy. Consult your owner's manual or seek advice from a mechanic to ensure you are using the right products for your vehicle.

Finally, some simple maintenance tasks can make a difference. For example, keeping your windows closed when driving can improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, especially at high speeds. Also, try to park in the shade to keep the car cool and reduce the need for air conditioning, which uses extra fuel.

Remove unnecessary weight

Removing unnecessary weight from your vehicle is a great way to save fuel and reduce pollution. The weight of your vehicle has a significant impact on fuel consumption. For example, the fuel consumption of a mid-size car increases by about 1% for every 25 kilograms of weight it carries. Similarly, every extra 50 kg increases fuel consumption by 2%.

To reduce the weight of your vehicle, it is recommended to sort through your belongings, especially after returning from a long trip. Remove anything you won't need over the next few weeks or months. This can include bags of salt or sand, sports equipment, luggage, bike racks, shovels, and ice scrapers. Keep only the essentials, such as your survival kit. Re-evaluate where you place heavy items and store them appropriately in the trunk to improve your vehicle's aerodynamics. For example, storing items in the trunk instead of on the roof can help reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.

In addition to removing unnecessary items, it is also important to consider the weight of the vehicle itself. Choosing a lighter-weight vehicle can significantly impact fuel consumption and reduce pollution. When purchasing a new vehicle, consider opting for a model with a lightweight design or construction. This can include vehicles made with lightweight materials, such as aluminium or composite fibres, which can help improve fuel efficiency.

Furthermore, regular vehicle maintenance can also help reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency. Proper maintenance ensures that your vehicle is running efficiently and can help remove any built-up sludge or corrosion, reducing the overall weight and improving performance. Maintaining recommended tyre pressures is also crucial, as under-inflated tyres can lower gas mileage and increase fuel consumption.

By removing unnecessary weight from your vehicle, you can significantly improve fuel efficiency and reduce your carbon footprint. This simple step can help you save money on fuel and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Plan your route

Planning your route is an effective way to save fuel and reduce pollution. It is not just about how you drive, but also where you drive. Here are some tips to help you plan your route efficiently:

Firstly, look up your route online, use telematics to highlight the best route, or simply use a map. A good route planner can help you reduce fuel costs by monitoring expenses and implementing methods to cut them. For example, a route planner with GPS tracking can help you visualise your driver's activity and immediately identify any unauthorised stops or delays. This can help to reduce reckless driving and speeding, which wastes fuel.

Secondly, consider taking a longer route with less traffic. Time spent idling in heavy traffic uses just as much fuel as driving, and you may end up spending more time in the car and using more fuel than if you had taken a longer, clearer route. Travelling at a consistent speed is more fuel-efficient than continuously starting and stopping. Your vehicle is also more fuel-efficient when making one long, round trip than several short trips. This is because the engine is warm and operating at its most efficient. Therefore, plan ahead and see how many stops you can make in one trip while keeping the engine warm.

Thirdly, be mindful of the roads you are driving on. Some areas are worse for fuel emissions than others. Low-speed limit areas, for example, cause a significant increase in fuel consumption and emissions. Try to avoid these areas to help the environment and save fuel.

Finally, ensure filling stations are on your planned route. Running out of fuel and having to drive extra miles to find a filling station wastes fuel and causes unnecessary emissions.

Frequently asked questions