The secret to cutting CO2 emissions is to help reduce the amount of work your engine has to do: the greater the workload, the more fuel is burned – so the higher the CO2 emissions.
1 Pump up to cut down
Under-inflated tyres create more resistance. That means your engine has to work harder, so more fuel is used and more CO2 emissions are produced. Check and adjust your tyre pressures regularly, and also before long journeys. This will also increase the life of your tyres. (Over-inflated tyres can be unsafe, so check your car manual for the correct pressure. A car with a heavier load may need different air pressure in the tyres.
2 Less clutter means less CO2
Clutter in your boot is extra weight in your car. By removing it, you could reduce your engine’s workload. This will burn less fuel and cut your CO2 emissions.
3 Drive at an appropriate speed
Staying at or within the speed limit not only increases driver safety, it also reduces CO2 emissions and saves money on your petrol costs. At 110km/h you could be using 9 per cent more fuel than at 100km/h, and up to 15 per cent more fuel than at 80km/h.
4 Less stopping and starting
Every time you stop then start again in a traffic queue, the engine uses more fuel and therefore produces more CO2. Keep an eye on the traffic ahead and slow down early by gently lifting your foot off the accelerator while keeping the car in gear. The traffic may have started moving again by the time you reach the vehicle in front, so you can change up a gear and be on your way.
5 Over-revving accelerates emissions
Modern car engines are designed to be efficient from the moment they are switched on, so revving up like a Formula 1 car in pole position only wastes fuel and increases engine wear. Using your gears wisely by changing up a gear a little earlier can also reduce revs. If you drive a diesel car, try changing up a gear when the rev counter reaches 2,000rpm. For a petrol car, change up at 2,500rpm.
6 Idling is wasting fuel
When the engine is idling, you’re wasting fuel and adding to CO2 emissions. If you’re likely to be at a standstill for more than three minutes, simply switch off the engine.
– Source: Defra UK
