Company News from yesinsurance
08 August 2006 Insurer Lists Tips for Environmental Driving
With many drivers setting off by car on their holidays in August, online insurance provider yesinsurance.co.uk today publishes a list of ten top tips for reducing the environmental impact - and cost - of motoring.
1. Speed: Smooth driving at a sensible speed is the best way to keep emissions and expenditure to a minimum. Generally speaking, petrol is consumed quicker at low and high speeds, with 50 to 60mph usually being the most fuel-efficient speeds. So, try to plan your route and timing to avoid traffic jams, and remember also that driving over 70mph, as well as being against the law, dramatically increases emissions and consumption. Even driving at 70mph can cost up to 25% more than driving at 50mph. Remember too that both fast acceleration and heavy braking use more fuel.
2. Air conditioning: Air conditioning increases fuel consumption by around 10%, so it is usually more efficient to open a window. However, at higher speeds of 50mph and above, the additional drag caused by having the window open begins to approach the cost of using the aircon.
3. Tyres: Under-inflated tyres waste fuel, adding maybe 2% to your fuel bill.
4. Filters: Dirty air filters can dramatically reduce fuel economy, and they can also make you fail a roadside emissions test. They are usually very easy to change, either by yourself or your garage.
5. Weight: Every extra 50kg of weight can increase your fuel costs by around 2%, so avoid driving around with unnecessary items (or people!) in your car.
6. Friction: Roof racks, spoilers and anything else that increases drag on the outside of your car can dramatically increase the amount of fuel you use. Take the roof rack off when you are not using it.
7. Switch off: If you are going to be stationary for more than two minutes, switch off the engine rather than waste fuel.
8. Recycle: Batteries and oil can be recycled at your local household waste disposal centre.
9. Plan: Plan your trip before you leave home, paying attention to both the route and timing of your trip. yesinsurance.co.uk estimates that around 350,000 tonnes of fuel is wasted every year by drivers who get lost.
10. Don't drive: Don't use the car for short journeys; take a walk and keep fit! Similarly, public transport can often be an easier and more cost-effective way of travelling, and you don't have to worry about parking. When you do use the car, try to combine trips into one journey and, where possible, share trips with friends.
"Whilst environmental damage and the rising cost of fuel are of concern to today's motorists, they have an even greater impact on the future we are handing over to our children's generation," said Paul Purdy, head of marketing at yesinsurance.co.uk.
"In addition to providing cost-effective insurance, part of our role at yesinsurance.co.uk is to help motorists plan for a greener future. As an insurance provider we will be taking a number of initiatives over the coming months that will help to advance this agenda."
Motor policies from yesinsurance.co.uk offer competitive rates for motorists with cars over five years old (representing 60% of the UK's vehicles), low mileage drivers, and second car owners.
