Green Car Guide

• What is a green car?
• Green Technologies
• Fuel Types
• Car Types
• Green Car Cost

How can I improve my fuel efficiency?

Conventional cars can become more environmentally friendly if used in the correct manor. You can save money and help the environment by following some simple tips:

• Drive in the highest possible gear without overstressing the engine is a useful way of wasting less fuel. You use up more fuel if you drive at the same speed in a lower gear.
• Drive smoothly, try and avoid heavy breaking and throttle, this will lower fuel consumption and wear and tear.
• Switch off the engine if you are stationary for more than a few minutes. When you are stopped for less than a few minutes there is no point in turning off the engine, this is because you will use up more fuel turning the engine on. If you are stopped for more than a few minutes however, your car will consume less fuel if it is turned off.
• Lighten your load, do not load unnecessary items into your car, this will reduce the overall weight and increase fuel efficiency.
• Keep the windows closed, if your car has air conditioning, it is much more fuel efficient to close the windows and use the air conditioning. However, air conditioning also consumes more fuel, so try not to over use it.
• Check your tyre pressure, under-inflated and worn tyres lower fuel efficiency. Check the pressure regularly to lower fuel consumption.
• Don’t overuse your car, walk or take alternative transport when possible, like on short journeys for examples.

Different fuel types

Different cars use different types of fuel to power their engines; some fuel types are more environmentally friendly than others:

• Petrol – This is the most common type of fuel used in cars today, and is one of the major causes of global warming. Petrol produces toxic exhaust chemicals such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and different types of nitrogen oxides. These not only contribute to global warming but also to acid rain and can damage human health. Unleaded petrol is the most environmentally friendly form of petrol, but other fuels are now available that will save you money and help the environment.
• Diesel – Diesel cars have about a 30% better fuel efficiency than petrol powered vehicles. They also last longer reducing the need to repair or purchase a new car. Diesel vehicles release less carbon dioxide than petrol powered cars, but release more volatile organic compounds and nitrous oxides contributing to ozone smog. Diesel is also produced from non-renewable energy sources, using up the worlds natural resources.
• Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) – Most cars powered by LPG in the UK are hybrid vehicles and are much more environmentally friendly and fuel efficient than petrol engines. They produce fewer emissions of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrous oxides than both petrol and diesel powered vehicles. LPG also causes less wear and tear to the vehicle and is more fuel efficient, saving you money.
• Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) – CNG powered vehicles are more fuel efficient, operate quietly and emit fewer toxic chemicals than conventional cars. Many petrol and diesel engines can be converted to run on CNG.
• Bio-diesel – This is produced from renewable energy sources such as sugar beet, rape seed, palm oil and sunflowers. It is a biological substitute for regular diesel. Bio-diesel is more environmentally friendly than conventional cars which run on petrol and diesel for many reasons; it is not toxic and doesn’t produce as much damaging exhaust emissions. Even though bio-diesel produces carbon dioxide as a by-product, the plants grown to create the fuel absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. This means that the net carbon emission into the atmosphere is much less than non bio-fuels such as petrol. Although there is a danger of deforestation in rainforests to create space for plantations needed to create bio-diesel. Bio-diesel is not available at all petrol stations but can usually be purchased for less than the price of diesel and unleaded petrol. You could even get free bio-diesel if you collect old oil from restaurants and filter it yourself. See http://www.petrolprices.com/biodiesel.html for more information about bio-diesel.
• Bio-ethanol – This is a biological fuel substitute for petrol and is made from renewable energy sources. It has much the same benefits as bio-diesel but is less common, Its popularity as a bio-product is increasing however. Read our article, for more information on whether ethanol would be a viable alternative to petrol in the UK.