12 Ways to Make Your Car More Eco-Friendly
Ellie Dyer-Brown, 5 months ago
5 min read
- How to
- Car ownership
FixMyCar discusses how to make a car more environmentally-friendly.
Research shows that two-thirds of Brits struggle with climate anxiety. Unsurprisingly, many of us are looking for ways to do our bit for the environment in these troubling times. Driving an electric vehicle is one option, but not everyone can afford to make the switch. So what can you do to make your car more eco-friendly? Read on to find out.
Contents
7. Don't overfill your fuel tank
8. Switch to a waterless car wash
1. Regular maintenance
The better a car is maintained, the more efficiently it runs. We recommend booking an annual full service to ensure your vehicle is in good condition - this typically includes an engine oil and filter change and checks of key components and systems.
Not only can regular servicing reduce emissions, but it can also save you money by making your car more fuel-efficient. It’s a win-win for you and the planet.
2. Check your tyre pressure
Incorrect tyre pressure will impact your car’s efficiency. Under-inflated tyres create more drag, leading to an increase in fuel consumption, and over-inflated tyres have reduced rolling resistance, which wears them down more quickly. Contrary to popular belief, over-inflating your tyres will not reduce fuel consumption.
You should aim to check your tyre pressure once a month and adjust accordingly. The correct pressure will be noted in your vehicle handbook or around the driver’s door frame.
3. Buy eco tyres
The next time you need new tyres, why not invest in a fuel-efficient set? Many manufacturers have eco-friendly options designed with low rolling resistance, requiring less energy to move. The easier they roll, the less friction they generate, resulting in lower fuel consumption.
This guide discusses how to tell what tyres your car needs.
4. Drive steadily
Rapid acceleration uses more fuel and puts more stress on your car, making components wear out faster. According to The Energy Saving Trust, the most efficient speed you can travel in a vehicle is between 55 and 65mph. When you go faster than that, fuel efficiency significantly decreases.
5. Travel light
A heavier car will use more fuel, so it’s worth having a clearout to remove any unnecessary items you might be storing on the back seats or in the boot. A roof rack can also negatively impact your car’s fuel efficiency by creating extra drag. If you’re not using it, remove it.
6. Go easy on the brakes
Heavy braking wears your car's brakes down faster, but did you know that it can also reduce fuel mileage? When you slow down rapidly, you then have to get up to speed again, burning more fuel. Although changing speed is an inevitable part of driving that can't always be avoided, you should try to anticipate the road ahead to prevent abrupt braking.
Here are five brake problems you shouldn't ignore.
7. Don’t overfill your fuel tank
You might be tempted to top off your tank with a little extra fuel after the pump cuts off, signalling it’s full. However, it’s best to avoid doing this because it increases the possibility of harmful vapours escaping into the air and fuel spilling out, neither of which is good for the environment.
Find out what to do if you put the wrong fuel in your car.
8. Switch to a waterless car wash
Using a hose pipe to clean your car inevitably wastes water, and commercial car washes aren’t much better. However, these aren’t the only options available. You could switch to a waterless cleaning product instead, such as a spray, which will clean your car and leave a protective finish.
Check out our top tips for cleaning your car.
9. Avoid unnecessary idling
Everybody has left their car idling at some point or other. But if you’re eco-conscious, switching the engine off is best to avoid wasting fuel and protect the environment - especially if you’re stationary for more than a few seconds. When your car idles, the exhaust fumes increase, leading to more pollution.
10. Use the A/C sparingly
Using your car’s aircon in the summer heat is often necessary to avoid sitting in a baking hot cabin, and switching it on from time to time throughout the year is recommended to keep it in good condition. But since using the A/C will increase fuel consumption, especially on short journeys, it’s worth considering whether you can get away with opening a window instead.
This guide explains how to keep a car cool in summer with and without aircon.
11. Switch to synthetic engine oil
Fully synthetic engine oil is designed to reduce friction and engine wear. It is thinner than conventional motor oil and typically lasts longer, providing better fuel efficiency.
Find out what oil your car needs.
12. Ride share
An easy way to reduce your carbon footprint is to carpool. Sharing your ride or getting a lift with someone else means there are less cars on the road, leading to fewer emissions. It also helps you to save fuel and extend your car’s lifespan.
Looking for affordable car repairs or maintenance? Whatever you need, FixMyCar can help you find the right garage at the right price.
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Written by Ellie
Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Writer. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.