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Driving
We all know it's healthier to cycle or walk for some journeys to get the 30 minutes of exercise we need every day, but sometimes using the car is the only practical way of getting from
A to B.
For some of us, driving has become an essential part of life, but by making a few simple adjustments, it's easy to minimise exhaust gases and drive greener. Just as importantly, given current fuel prices, it will save you money.
Think before you drive
Did you know that, on short car journeys, the engine doesn't get the chance to warm up properly and creates up to 60% more pollution? Research has also shown that many of the trips we make are less than two miles long, which means that walking, cycling or using the bus is often an attractive alternative it might even be quicker, and will definitely be less stressful. Do you really need to take the car everywhere?
Link your trips together
Instead of making lots of separate trips to and from your home, think ahead and link them together to prevent money being wasted on fuel. Doing this will also save time and reduce engine wear and tear by cutting down on the number of times you start your car with a cold engine.
Try to plan ahead and pick the most direct route with an up-to-date map or by using the Transport Direct, AA or RAC journey planners. As well as picking out the best route, the journey planners will also give you an estimate of how long your journey is likely to take and any congestion 'hot-spots' to avoid.
Keep in tune with your car
A few little adjustments can make a big difference. Making sure that your car runs efficiently will save you money, as well as minimising harmful emissions.
Top tips include:
Keep your engine tuned to reduce your vehicles emissions. Around 90% of cars that are polluting badly could be fixed within 15 minutes.
Ensure tyres are inflated to the correct pressure; this lengthens their life and reduces emissions by up to 5%.
Clear out your car regularly. Carrying luggage that you don't need in the boot or on the roof rack increases fuel consumption.
If you have a clogged catalytic converter it is practically useless. Keeping it clean and serviced will ensure that it works efficiently.
The Environmental Transport Association (ETA) has published a list of the 10 most environmentally friendly cars in terms of their power / capacity ratio, CO2 emissions, fuel consumption (from a cold start), noise and safety.
They are:
1 Honda Civic 1.4 IMA Executive
2 Toyota Prius 1.5 Hybrid
3 Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi 16v Life
4 Daihatsu YRV 1.3L
5 Daihatsu Charade 1.0L
6 Smart City Coupe Hatchback
7 Ford Focus C-Max 1.6 TDCi
8 Volkswagen Touran 1.9 TDI
9 Peugeot 407 Saloon 1.6 HDI
10 Honda Accord 2.2 I-CTDi Sport
If you need to replace your car, why not consider buying one on the list?
What do exhaust gases do to the body?
CO, carbon monoxide:
it attaches to the red corpuscles and causes respiratory and cardiac problems, headaches, dizziness, nausea and problems with vision.
NOx, nitrogen oxides:
these irritate the bronchial tubes and lower immune defences. They increase the frequency of asthma attacks and encourage pulmonary infections in children.
HC, hydrocarbons:
they cause irritation to the bronchial tubes and eyes and can have a carcinogenic effect.
Pb, lead compounds:
in heavy doses, they cause major neurological effects (lead poisoning) as well as growth problems, anaemia kidney failure. However, thanks to the use of lead free petrol, they are gradually disappearing from the air.
Benzene:
it is carcinogenic and has a depressive effect on the central nervous system.
Particles:
they transport other HC pollutants into the lungs and nasal membranes. They are particularly dangerous for people with asthma and heart problems.
O3, troposperhic ozone:
this is a very irritant gas. It alters respiratory function, irritates the eyes, chest and lungs, especially in children. It aggravates asthma and heart disease.
Case study
Penny, from Ingleby Barwick
"I leave the house at around 7:40am, get stuck in traffic leaving the estate, and head onto the new road towards Stockton. I drop down onto the A66 which is a slightly better run until I get towards Middlesbrough, when the traffic almost grinds to a halt at the Hartington interchange. Once through the lights, I head towards Zetland car park like everyone else. Once there, I have to keep on driving up and up until I get a space, check I have £2.40 for the days parking and get a ticket. I get my bag, and head off towards the office. When it’s raining or windy, it's a nightmare that I could really do without before I finally get into the office at 8:30am for work. Another thing is, Christmas time makes my journey ten times worse!!
I'm often quite flustered and annoyed by the time I arrive at work. I'm not the only one who has this chew 5 days a week. It's bad enough that I do this, but it costs a fortune. When I sat down and actually worked out what I spend per month for the hassle it's about £200 when I include parking, petrol and other running costs! It just isn't worth it! I've got to find another way of getting to work.
If I won that £1000, it would only pay for 5 months chew in my car!
Links
AA
RAC
Transport Direct
Car Fuel Data
ETA
CSCP
Boost LPG