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The 20th century has been commonly called the century of the motor car. It’s hard to believe that Henry Ford started the Ford motor company only as far back as 1903.

Since then our world has become dominated by motor vehicles and the roads they need. And our environment is now at saturation level due to the emissions and pollution that they produce. Unfortunately there is no going back and it looks like the motor car is very much here to stay.

Luckily some smart, inventive and resourceful people are looking into all sorts of novel modes of transport and alternative sources of energy and fuel. It seems like every week we get to read about the next great technological engineering development that will revolutionise motoring. Yet still, most of us are driving cars propelled by internal combustion engines that are very similar to those used by Henry Ford way back in 1903.

It’s still likely to be some years before everybody is driving vehicles powered by water or fresh-air. Until that time comes there is a lot that we can all do to not only lessen the impact that our reliance upon automobiles has on the environment, but can also save us money.

Change Cars Less Often

This is one of the most significant changes you can make. Instead of going for a new car every year or two keep your existing car for longer. This reduces the need to manufacture cars resulting in less pollution from the manufacturing process. Keep your car until its reliability begins to deteriorate and you will save a small fortune.

Keep it Small

Don’t go buying unnecessarily large vehicles as you will be paying more to move the car than to move the occupants. Buy as small a vehicle as you can to meet your needs. It can even be a good idea to rent a larger vehicle for those occasional trips where you may need the extra space.

Reduce Load

Reducing the load in your car will lessen its weight. A lower weight will mean lower fuel consumption which is both better for the environment and for your pocket. So don’t leave your golf clubs in the boot and remove all that rubbish from your car.

Reduce Wind Resistance

Vehicle designers go to great lengths to make their designs aerodynamically efficient then we com along and stick a top-box on the roof. Roof racks and storage containers introduce an awful lot of drag so make certain you remove them when not in use. This will save even more fuel and more money.

Keep Your Engine Tuned

A well tuned engine will be burning fuel as efficiently as it can. Efficiency means that fuel, and money, are not being wasted.

Don’t Overfill Your Tank

When refuelling don’t waste that valuable fuel by overfilling your tank.

Cockpit Checks

When you get in the car carry out your basic cockpit checks with the engine off rather than ticking over.

Air Conditioning

Running air conditioning systems uses more fuel. But so does having the windows open as that results in increased drag. Only use air conditioning if you really need to.

Drive at Economical Speeds

Generally, driving at around 50 to 60 mph is the best for both fuel economy and emissions. Keep your speed down and you will save money and lessen pollution.

Drive Sensibly

Rapid acceleration, unnecessary revving of your engine and sharp braking will use fuel unnecessarily. Use your gears to slow your car, drive at sensible speeds and don’t rev your engine just because you like the sound it makes.

Keep Your Tyres Pumped Up

Tyres that are not at their optimum pressure create unnecessary drag. Ensuring that your tyres are all at the required pressure will help to reduce fuel wastage, lessen emissions and save you even more money.

Plan Your Journeys

If you regularly use your car to pop to the local store or to ferry yourself to the gym stop and think. Perhaps, if you walked to the local shops instead of using your car you would get enough exercise and you wouldn’t need to go to the gym resulting in big savings all round.

When planning journeys try to avoid travelling in the peak rush hour periods. Plan your route to avoid congestion and try to take the most fuel efficient path.

Turn Your Engine Off

When sat in a traffic queue, waiting at a level crossing or similar, try turning your engine off. Less fuel will be used, lower emissions created and less money will be spent.

I hope that these suggestions will at least get you thinking about your own driving habits and maybe you can introduce a few modest changes that will save fuel, lower emissions into the atmosphere and increase the money in your pocket.

By Tony Gee
I recommend car leasing or contract hire for great savings - from http://www.nationwidevehiclecontracts.co.uk/