Going green is somewhat of a buzz term at the moment. However, with the effects of climate change now an imposing presence in everyday life, moving towards an eco-conscious lifestyle is a natural step.
But the move to greener living isn’t without its challenges. There’s also a bit of a divide in how men and women think and feel about eco-motoring. Recent figures suggest women are more considerate when it comes to being more environmentally friendly – 20.7% more than men. Women are also more likely to buy an electric car to be more eco-conscious.
There are several reasons why this gender disparity could be in place. But, as we move forward, most people are changing attitudes toward buying new electric and hybrid cars. Want to switch to more eco-friendly motoring? Check out our top tips on making your drive greener…
1.Maintain your car regularly
Getting your car serviced and maintained regularly is the first step to making your drive more efficient. If your vehicle isn’t running right or misses its annual health check, you could experience higher emissions and increased costs when filling up.
2.Choose eco-friendly tyres
Tyres are bad for the environment in several ways. Firstly, they’re made from rubber and plastic, which takes many years to degrade. Secondly, tyres actually produce emissions. A study by Emissions Analytics suggested that particulates from tyres could cause more pollution, around 1,000 times more than exhaust emissions.
While this is a debated topic due to the factors involved, there is an eco-friendly alternative. Green tyres are made from synthetic compounds, recycled materials and silica rubber. You can find these options from major tyre makers, including Bridgestone, Dunlop, Goodyear and Continental. The only drawback is you’ll have to pay more than your conventional tyre.
3.Take it steady
The temptation to put your foot down can actually have an adverse effect on your fuel economy and emissions. So instead, stick to a steady speed without too much sharp acceleration or harsh braking.
Speed is a recognised contributor to emissions. So, some councils have trailed reductions in speed limits on specific stretches of motorways in the UK in a bid to reduce pollution.
4.Plan your journey
Sitting in traffic is the best way to waste fuel and sit among everyone’s exhaust fumes. While, in a perfect world, we’d miss all the traffic, sometimes it can’t be helped. However, some forward planning can give you a better view of the traffic on your journey – giving you the best chance of avoiding it.
Setting off earlier in the morning or in the evening could help reduce the likelihood of congestion. Also, consider investing in a sat nav or using your in-car infotainment system to alert you to any traffic building up. This will give you time to reroute if needed.
5.Share journeys
There was a considerable push for car sharing a few years back. While this has dwindled, it’s still a great way to save on fuel costs and reduce the number of cars on the road.
You’ll be surprised just how many trips could be shared with friends and family. Some locations also have dedicated car-sharing lanes for vehicles with two or more people.
6.Follow gear guidance
If your car has a gear guidance system, this helps to make your drive more eco-friendly. It works by telling you which gear is most efficient for your speed and makes for a smoother drive.
7.Monitoring the DPF filter in diesel cars
Since 2009, all diesel cars have diesel particulate filters (DPF) fitted. As one of the most polluting cars on the road for emissions, this filter prevents soot from being released into the environment.
However, while these are a great idea to reduce pollution, they require maintenance to ensure good working order. In addition, some diesel drivers also experience DPF blockages, which affect how the car runs and could be costly to replace.
8.Declutter your vehicle
It’s surprising just how much stuff we have in our cars. However, this extra weight could be costing you more at the pumps. Plus, your vehicle will chuck out more emissions. Empty your car regularly and remove roof racks or boxes if you’re not using them. A more aerodynamic vehicle means a more efficient one.
9.Buy an electric car
Driving an electric car is one of the best ways to make your daily journeys as efficient and low carbon as possible. With no tailpipe emissions and no need to use fossil fuels (directly) to get around, this is a great way to be more environmentally friendly.
Alongside using electric to ‘fuel up’, EVs have cutting-edge technology to make your drive more efficient. For example, different driving modes optimise range so you can travel further for less. Regenerative braking systems also capture energy typically lost from braking or coasting and reuse it in the car.
If you’re not entirely convinced about an all-electric vehicle, why not opt for a plug-in hybrid instead. These models are more efficient than pure petrol or diesel options. Plus, they’re more affordable than EVs.
Move to green motoring with an electric car from Leasing Options
There are many ways to make the switch to eco-conscious motoring. Even with petrol and diesel cars, small changes bring better fuel efficiency and lower emissions on each journey. However, if you’re looking to make the transition to electrification, it’s never been easier.
Top car makers such as Ford, BMW, Tesla and Volkswagen have a range of electric, plug-in and mild hybrid options suited to your budget. With lower running costs and fewer emissions, they’re a great investment for a more sustainable future.
At Leasing Options, our range of electric and hybrid vehicles makes switching to green motoring super simple. So why not search through the latest models to find your perfect car. We also have a variety of affordable leasing deals to suit your budget.
