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Eco safe driving is an important issue nowadays since we have become more aware of how human beings are negatively affecting the environment. Whilst big companies need to do their own share, we as drivers have to make sure that we are doing everything we can to be more eco safe so that the environment has a fighting chance.

Focusing on fuel consumption, car sharing, and the speed limit is an important part of eco safe driving. If you want to be part of the solution, then now is the time to check out some eco friendly driving tips and learn about being more environmentally friendly.

If you want to know “how can drivers help the environment?” then read on to gain more knowledge and be aware of your environmental impact.

What Exactly is Eco Safe Driving?

In basic terms, to be eco safe when you are driving is to be aware of how you are driving and making sure that it is done in an environmentally friendly way to reduce air pollution whilst increasing fuel efficiency.

Here are a handful of eco friendly driving tips that can help you if you do get behind the wheel.

Avoiding Harsh Acceleration & Brake Slowly

You will have more fuel consumption if you keep accelerating fast and braking slowly, it also increases emissions which adds to your carbon footprint. Make sure you are aware of your driving and look ahead so that you don’t have to brake quickly and accelerate hard. Pay attention to the road ahead.

Following Speed Limits

You may not think much of going over by a couple of miles per hour, but it does make a difference. You will have a higher fuel consumption by speeding, so watch how you drive and keep at a consistent speed.

Cruise Control

If needed, you can use cruise control to maintain your speed at certain points. This will help you drive smoothly and use less fuel. It is also important to reduce your average speed too so that your Co2 impact is reduced.

Not Using the Air Conditioning All the Time

Air conditioning is good for those hot days when the car can feel like a sweatbox, however, constant use of it is not good for your car as your engine will work harder which means (you guessed it) more fuel consumption.

It is best to let your car regulate when you get in it with the windows down, then crank your windows up and put the air conditioning on auto.

It is important that you shut off your electronics when you exit the vehicle, otherwise your electrical load will increase and it will drain your car’s battery. So your conditioning and heating, as well as your lights need to be turned off properly.

If you do need to drive your car, then make sure that you follow these personal eco safe driving tips so that you keep to the rules of the road and help the environment.

It is also important that you avoid idling when driving, which means don’t keep the engine running if you are going to stop for a while, and remember to go for regular servicing and pump up your tyres so your car is not working harder than it should.

What Else Can You do to Reduce Your Environmental Impact?

There are alternative transport options that you can go for if you need to get places, as well as picking out transport options that would be beneficial if you did not drive all the time.

Driving is a great way to get from A to B, but it is also harsh on the environment if not done correctly, so focusing on how you can efficiently drive as well as reducing the carbon monoxide from the exhaust, will help the environment a lot. If that is not something you can do, then alternative options are the next step.

Get a Rental Vehicle

If you do not drive a lot but sometimes you need to get somewhere, you may want to think about hiring a rental vehicle for this very reason. It will not only be cheaper to run as you don’t have to outright buy a car and put fuel into it multiple times, but it is also eco friendly.

It can cost a lot to maintain a car and take it in for regular check ups, so if you really do not want to keep doing that and you have more important things to spend your money on, look at rental vehicles as one of your alternative transport options.

Think About Taking Public Transport

Want to play a part in fuel efficiency and reduce your fuel consumption? Public transport may be the best option for you in this case.

They may not have heated seats and be filled with people, but you will save money not using your own vehicle, and you are reducing your environmental impact.

Air pollution and traffic congestion will be reduced and you can also get yourself a train or bus pass that helps you save a certain amount per year, or you can look at if your workplace offers discounts to help you get to work.

Car Sharing

Working with someone who lives close to you and has a car will be a good way at saving more fuel and keeping the environment safe. Both of you can scale back your carbon footprint by sharing the journey. You can work out a system for the carpool so that you equally take turns at driving with the other.

If you want to help the environment then this is a good start. Plus, you are roping another driver in to help, so it is more efficient.

Walk or Cycle

If you don’t really need your vehicle and you can do without using it all the time, you may want to go for the option of walking or cycling to work or just when you go out. This will not only save you money but you won’t be stuck in traffic with the other cars constantly braking and accelerating.

Change to an Electric Vehicle

Driving a diesel or petrol car is out nowadays, electricity seems to be the way forward for many so this could be a good option for you. You still get to drive your car and get to different places, but you will be doing it with a cleaner vehicle.

Emissions won’t be as harsh and the environment will thank you for it.

How to Maintain Your Vehicle

To make your vehicle as fuel efficient as possible, you need to get it serviced when it is required and pay attention to any issues that it is showing you.

Don’t avoid the lights on the dashboard, be aware. Because you could be harming the environment, plus, you will not be happy when it breaks down somewhere and you are stuck.

Engine Care

Taking care of your engine the right way can lead to substantial savings over time by minimizing the need for expensive repairs and upkeep. Regular inspections and maintenance of your engine not only benefit your wallet but also contribute to a cleaner environment. If you happen to come across any worn or damaged engine parts, it’s a good idea to consider getting replacement Engine Parts Online or from a local store. This is a viable option only if you possess the necessary knowledge and skills to handle the repairs on your own. However, if you’re not well-versed in engine repairs, it’s recommended to seek the expertise of a nearby mechanic. By taking these steps, you not only save money but also contribute to the overall health of your engine and a cleaner, more environmentally-friendly operating system.

Get Regular Oil Changes

With your car, you are going to need to make sure that you get the oil changed regularly and that you get it tuned up by a mechanic when required. This will help keep your engine running smoothly so it works at maximum efficiency.

Replace Your Air Filter

Your engine will work a lot harder with a clogged air filter, so getting that checked out is a priority for your car.

Pay Attention to Your Tyres

Your tyre pressure will make a difference to your driving. If it is underinflated then that will add to your vehicle’s drag and it can be very unsafe for you on the road. Check it each month and check your vehicle handbook to see what pressure it needs to be.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you have found these easy tips a good source of information on what you should be doing to help the environment when you drive and reduce your carbon footprint and emissions. We also hope we have answered the question – how can drivers help the environment?

Stay safe out there and be mindful of how you drive and what you do.