Tips on how to save money and drive a 'Green' vehicle

There are a number of basic and ‘common sense’ steps all vehicle owners can take to ensure that your vehicle is not only fuel efficient and cost-effective, but friendly to the environment as well.

These include:

• Ensure the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle. The incorrect tyre pressure can increase vehicle drag and can add significantly to both your fuel bill and your vehicle’s emissions.
• Moderate your speed. Avoid dramatic acceleration and traveling at excessive speeds both in terms of a safety, efficiency and emissions perspective.
• Reduce unnecessary weight in the car by removing heavy items that are not in use. This includes removable tow bars, roof racks, heavy items in the boot etc.
• Have your vehicle serviced at its scheduled intervals. Blocked injectors and clogged filters can have a significant effect on fuel consumption.
• Do not idle your vehicle for excessive periods.
• Use your Tracker (SkyTrax) to plan your journey more effectively.
• Do not over rev your vehicle. Change gears smoothly and as soon as your engine speed and the prevalent driving conditions allow.
• Try and schedule various tasks or errands that make sense on a route that you are already traveling on. For example, if you travel past a shopping centre on your way home from work, consider buying your groceries from that centre to avoid having to make an alternate trip.
• Use air conditioning only when necessary.
• Avoid unnecessary driving with your windows open as this increases the vehicle’s ‘drag’ and, thus, fuel consumption.
• Avoid travelling during peak hours wherever possible.
• When buying a new car, factor in the vehicle’s engine size and emissions technology and information into your thinking.
• Consider becoming part of a lift club.