If you want to do your part to protect the environment, follow our tips for eco-friendly driving. In the height of summer, roads become increasingly busy. During the summer and holiday seasons, our highways are filled to capacity with road users in various vehicles. Unfortunately, all this entails increased noise, congestion, and pollution, which is bad for our long-suffering environment. So, what can we do to reduce our environmental impact—besides taking public transportation or driving an electric car?
Here are some tips on how to be an eco-friendly driver
Carpooling or carpooling for a trip
Use all the available passenger seats in your car by combining fellow car-riders in one car. This will not only reduce the number of cars traveling in one direction and help relieve rush hour congestion, but also reduce the harmful impact of exhaust fumes on the environment. Such sharing reduces overall fuel consumption worldwide and lowers transportation costs for everyone on the trip, including you.
Passengers will avoid the stress and strain of driving. By alternating days, carpoolers can take turns being the driver. Carpooling helps you make new friends. In today’s individualist and independent-minded society, this can be a valuable asset.
Keep an eye on your tire pressure
If your tires are underinflated, your engine will have to work harder to keep them spinning—and that means you’ll use more fuel. Optimal tire pressure varies, but recommended tire pressures for different passenger numbers are usually printed on the driver’s side B-pillar.
Reduce vehicle weight by eliminating unnecessary items
Obviously, you’ll need a tent and a pair of boots (mud boots) if you’re going to a music festival, for example—try to keep your gear to a minimum. Why? Well, a heavier car burns more fuel. It may seem strange to think that an extra suitcase will have any negative effect, but every little bit counts.
Have your car checked at a mechanic
If you have a long journey ahead of you, you’ll want to have it checked beforehand to make sure everything works as it should. It’s worth checking the exhaust emissions. If there’s a problem with any part of the exhaust system, you could harm the environment along the way.
Plan your car trip
Instead of being on the road during rush hour—and sitting in traffic for hours with your engine idling—consider traveling when others are still asleep. Likewise, check if there’s an alternative route that’s faster—even if it’s actually longer in terms of distance and mileage. If this route is less popular with everyone, then there is a chance that the actual trip will take less time. It is estimated that when idling, a car produces up to 150 liters per minute of exhaust fumes containing harmful chemicals.
Make your car more aerodynamic
No, we don’t mean adding a spoiler – just avoid cluttering your roof racks and various boxes, as this will increase air resistance and lead to increased fuel consumption. The same can be said if you have a tendency to strap mountain bikes to the top or back of your car.
Steady Driving
Maintaining a constant speed will help minimize the amount of fuel you burn on the road. If you have a heavy foot, you will end up visiting more petrol stations. Focus on accelerating smoothly and keeping an eye on the road ahead so you can anticipate the need to brake and stop the car gradually rather than abruptly.
Stick to the speed limit
Of course, you’ll still speed up. But there’s an added incentive. Driving at 70 mph, you’ll use 9% more fuel than at 55 mph, and 15% more than at 50 mph. Acceleration to 80 mph can use 25% more fuel than at 70 mph.
Don’t turn on the air conditioning
Yes, that can have detrimental effects, too! It’s tempting to get that nice cool breeze, but it also means your engine is working harder and using more fuel. If it’s a hot day – then open the windows for an hour before you set off to let out the hot air in the cabin.
Keep your DPF clean
The DPF is a diesel particulate filter that fits in the exhaust pipe to prevent soot from being released into the atmosphere. They have been fitted to diesel vehicles since 2009. However, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to keeping the filter in good working order.
Take your rubbish home with you
Don’t leave rubbish, boxes, bottles and crisp wrappers scattered around the countryside – collect them and dispose of them properly. Not only will this reduce the workload for cleaners and the army of volunteers tasked with cleaning up after you, but we hope it will also significantly reduce pollution.
Monitor your fuel consumption
If your car has a trip computer, it’s easy to see how many liters you consume per kilometer. You can also see how your driving style affects this figure. However, all is not lost if you don’t have such a gadget. You can fill the tank and record the mileage. Divide the total mileage since your first visit to the gas station by the total number of liters used and multiply by 4.54 to get the number of kilometers per liter of gasoline.
Consider noise pollution
Finally, if you listen to music, remember how annoying it can be for drivers standing next to you at traffic lights – especially if you have bad taste in music!
REMEMBER: You can always contact our auto service center, where we will be happy to provide professional technical assistance for your car. You can also make an appointment with us for a scheduled technical inspection! Please check out our car repair and diagnostic services.
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VEBER-AUTO Car Service
194044, St. Petersburg
Neyshlotsky Lane, Building 5, Building 3
District: Vyborgsky
Metro: Vyborgskaya – 800 m.
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Seven days a week, from 9:00 to 21:00.
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sto@veberauto.ru
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8 (812) 321-00-00
