Driver's guide to Going Green - Running a greener car

Slow down
It might seem obvious, but go easy on the accelerator – you'll save hundreds of pounds off your annual fuel bill, as well as cutting emissions and your stress levels. Change up to a high gear and take it easy.

Travel at a quiet time of day
Try to avoid the busiest time of day; a journey could take half the time of the same trip in rush hour, which will save you time and money – and won't be as polluting.

Maintain your car correctly
A well maintained car is a clean car, so get your vehicle serviced at the correct intervals, and keep an eye on all the fluid levels and on your tyre pressures.

Prepare your car
Drive with your windows shut and remove any roof racks or boxes that aren't in use. You'll improve your car's aerodynamics and economy. Turn off the air-conditioning unless you really need it – air-conditioning compressors increase fuel consumption by about 10%.

Car share
Have you got space in your car to take a passenger? So many cars carry only one occupant these days, and it's simply a waste of time, effort, fuel and money. Plan your journeys to share empty seats with friends and colleagues, and consider joining a car-share scheme.
www.liftshare.com
www.nationalcarshare.co.uk

Join a car-pooling club
The idea of car clubs is simple; rather than owning a car that you use only occasionally, people club together to share a pool of cars. You pay annually or per use, free from the worries of ownership, depreciation and servicing. Better still, you'll help reduce the number of cars on our roads.
www.carclubs.org.uk
www.smartmoves.co.uk