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Personal and business transport is an essential
part of modern life.
Modern vehicles do much less damage to the environment.
Some popular models produce less than five percent of regulated
pollutants typically around in the 1970's.
Journeys of less than a couple of miles cause a
relatively large amount of pollution. A straining cold engine
will produce 60 percent more pollution than a warm one. Ideally
these short journeys should be made by walking, cycling or using
public transport instead.
Environmental Damage Limitation
Plan your journey. Can you make it by public transport
? Probably not, so a bit of forethought can save much wear and
tear - for both car and you, the driver. Take the most direct
route and drive off peak if possible. If you commute by car think
about car sharing and utilising park and ride schemes.
Energy-conscious driving style. To ensure
that emissions are reduced after starting the vehicle, reverse
in when you park so that you can drive away immediately but gently.
If you are likely to be stationary for more than a couple of minutes,
like when stuck in traffic, switch off the engine. Depending on
the engine size, five minutes of engine idling engine can use
approximately the same amount of fuel that will drive you half
a mile.
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Smooth use of speed. Think ahead to avoid
harsh acceleration and braking which also waste fuel. 'Feather'
the gas pedal as you reach your cruising speed. The optimum ravelling
speed is 56mph in top gear. This uses 25 percent less fuel than
at 70mph. Never try to save fuel by coasting, your vehicle control
must never be compromised.
Reduce the drag factor. Remove roof racks
and carriers when not in use. Driving with the window open also
increases drag and lowers fuel economy. Remove unneccessary boot
luggage, avoid heavy accessories and wide tyres that add rolling
resistance. Air conditioning lowers fuel economy so use the vent
settings as much as possible instead. In hot weather park in the
shade.
Regular servicing. Unserviced engines can
reduce fuel economy by ten percent or more. Catalytic converters
are exhaust treatment systems that remove up to 75 per cent of
carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbons - but only if
they are properly maintained. Correct tyre pressures will keep
wear down and economy up. Under-inflated tyres besides being dangerous
will need replacing more often (this is also an environmental
problem) and waste fuel.
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