7 Little-Known Tricks for a Greener Ride

Fuel efficiency has a huge impact on your wallet and the planet. If you want to cut emissions while easing your budget, some simple driving habit changes can make a measurable difference.

Add some cost-effective upgrades and sensible maintenance, and you can look forward to a greener, cleaner and cheaper ride.

Why Small Changes Matter for Sustainability

Research shows that cars and taxis are responsible for more than 15% of the UK’s total overall greenhouse gas emissions. With only 3% of vehicles on British roads being fully electric, owners of ordinary petrol and diesel cars need to drive smarter to help lower these levels. Here’s how.

1. Remove Roof Racks and Unnecessary Weight

Every bit of extra weight on your car increases drag and decreases efficiency. A roof rack disrupts the vehicle’s aerodynamics, forcing the engine to work harder against air resistance. This increases your fuel consumption by up to 25%, or 15% even when the rack is empty.

Other ways to reduce weight include routinely emptying your boot of anything you don’t need in there, and carrying a tyre repair kit instead of a full spare tyre.

2. Keep Tyres Properly Inflated

If your tyres aren’t at the right pressure, greater friction and rolling resistance mean your car needs greater power to propel it along the road. Being as little as six psi lower than recommended can increase fuel use by 5%.

Properly inflated tyres are also essential for safety and tyre longevity, so check your pressure regularly and know how to adjust it.

3. Use Air Conditioning Wisely

Nobody loves sitting inside a boiling car. Air conditioning takes extra fuel, but travelling with open windows increases drag and wind resistance — so which is better? This is a heated topic of debate and the jury’s still out, since no widespread tests have been conducted.

However, it’s generally agreed that at low speeds, it is more fuel efficient to drive with the windows down, whereas at higher speeds, open windows compromise engine efficiency, so switch the air conditioning on.

4. Drive More Smoothly

Every time you accelerate or brake, extra fuel is needed to maintain momentum and overcome resistance. Burning excess petrol or diesel means higher emissions and more frequent visits to the pump.

Evening out your speed and anticipating upcoming changes is key to a steady ride. Avoid sudden braking or harsh acceleration. Risky driving, such as being distracted by your phone, is dangerous by any measure, but it also costs you money when it slows your reaction times.

5. Avoid Idling and Stop-Start Driving

Sitting in traffic jams wastes more than time — it wastes fuel and adds to pollution. Stop-start driving significantly decreases the efficiency of your engine, leading to increased emissions of both carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Plan ahead to avoid peak-time travel if you can, and use smart navigation apps to find alternative routes.

Just one minute of idling in a diesel car releases 30.3 grams of CO2, so be mindful of leaving your vehicle running unnecessarily. Switching the vehicle off when sitting on your driveway, waiting for someone to pop into a shop or picking up the kids from school is more fuel efficient and better for the environment.

6. Maintain Your Car Properly

Filters, oil and spark plugs need to be clean and working properly to ensure optimal engine function, so car maintenance directly impacts your fuel costs and carbon footprint. Regular servicing will also ensure your exhaust and catalytic converter are in good shape.

7. Consider Eco Tyres

Upgrading to 'eco' tyres is an initial investment that will pay off for your budget and your conscience. They are designed to have a lower rolling resistance and reduced road friction. This means improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions because the engine has to work less hard.

Importantly, eco tyres have another major environmental benefit — they shed far fewer microplastics than standard ones. Since 28% of global microplastics come from tyre wear and tear, making the switch is an important conscious step toward a greener world.

Drive Change With Small Steps for a Greener Ride

By adopting these suggestions, every car owner can make a meaningful impact on fuel efficiency and carbon emissions. Even small changes like checking your tyre pressure or driving more smoothly can add up to significant environmental benefits.

Check your habits, clear out your car, get routine maintenance and consider small upgrades like new tyres. Every step will help balance your budget, create cleaner air and drive a more sustainable future.