Rally GB’s ‘green’ driving tips

The 2008 Wales Rally GB was awarded CarbonNeutral® event status, confirming that the event’s carbon footprint was now ‘net zero’. All carbon emissions for 2008 were offset, which includes all forms of spectator travel. For those of you who are travelling by car you too can actively tackle climate change by keeping your emissions to a minimum and save yourself money on fuel in the process…

Pump it up

Before you set off on your journey, make sure your tyres are at the correct pressure, as under-inflation makes your engine work harder, decreases the life of your tyres, wastes fuel  and increases CO2 emissions. Driving for 100 miles with your tyres at the correct pressure could save 1kg of CO2 – the equivalent to a balloon 1 metre across.

Keep on the straight and narrow

If one of your tyres is even half-a-degree out of position, this can increase fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent. Pop along to your local garage if you feel your wheels are in need of alignment.

Pack smartly

Don’t over-fill the car with unnecessary baggage as this will increase fuel consumption on your trip to Wales.

Get kitted out

You can switch to greener car parts, lights, tyres and batteries. Ask your local garage or retailer for further advice.

Don’t keep it running

Only start your engine when you are ready to go, it is starting from cold that produces the most emissions. And, don’t sit in the car with the engine running. If you are stopped for anything over three minutes whilst on the road, turn it off.

Go steady

When you’re on the road, try and keep your speed steady and avoid rapid acceleration to keep fuel consumption to a minimum. Driving at 85mph, besides being illegal, will use up to 25 per cent more in fuel compared to 70mph.

Get in there early

Changing gear slightly earlier reduces revs and therefore saves fuel.

Don’t travel alone

Where possible share your journey, if you know of friends who are travelling to Wales Rally GB then why not share a car. This will reduce CO2 emissions and also save you money on fuel.

Thoughts for the future

• When purchasing your next car change to a greener fuel solution: diesel is more fuel efficient than petrol and LPG is even cheaper and more efficient.
• Think about the size of your engine: A 2 litre petrol vehicle will produce 1.2 tonnes of CO2 compared to, a 1.4 litre petrol vehicle producing 0.8 tonnes of CO2. What’s more is that car tax is now directly related to emissions, so lower your engine size on the road and save money.