How being a Greener Driver can save you Money

14-Jan-2010

It's a common misconception that making more environmentally-friendly choices costs you more.  In fact, with hundreds of new 'green' financial services products on the market each year, the cost of being a more conscientious consumer is actually decreasing.

There are also a number of ways to be a greener, cleaner road user every day by making small changes to the way that you drive.  An awareness campaign carried out by the EU estimates that the average driver can cut their car's fuel consumption by an impressive 30% simply by adopting 'eco-driving' techniques.

Some examples of more environmentally-friendly driving include avoiding harsh acceleration (high engine speeds use more fuel and increase your carbon emissions), and switching off your engine when you are stationary and it is safe to do so, such as in long traffic light queues.   

You should check that your tyre pressures are correct to improve the fuel economy of your car - under-inflated tyres increase the rolling resistance of your car, meaning that the car has to work harder to reach the same speeds than if your tyres were properly inflated.  You can find details of the optimum tyre pressure for your car in the owner's manual.  Remove any unnecessary weight from the car (such as a roof rack that you do not use), and avoid using air conditioning or electrical devices such as phone or music player chargers where possible.

Other top tips to make your car more fuel-efficient and save you on petrol money include using high-quality fuels and oils that keep the car's engine clean and keeping your car properly serviced.  Keeping to the speed limit is not only safe but also improves your fuel consumption.  

If you own a 'green' car, that is, one that emits lower levels of carbon dioxide than standard vehicles, or if you are a road user and would like to offset your carbon footprint, there are products available to help you do this without breaking the bank.

Warranty Direct, the UK's largest direct to consumer car warranty provider, has created the Green Warranty, which gives you extended warranty protection against unforeseen repairs beyond the manufacturer's warranty date and also allows you to offset your carbon emissions at no extra cost.

For example, a MINI One comes under Tax Band C with emissions of 128g/km, or approximately 2.3 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide for every 10,000 miles travelled.  With a Green Warranty, the company's comprehensive ExtraCare cover would cost £237.11, of which £23.69 is donated in a carbon offset contribution to the Carbon Footprint UK Tree Planting project.  For more information about a green warranty or to get a free quote, please visit their website.