The number of cars on Irish roads has increased by over 50% in the past 10 years. Private car use now accounts for over 40% of home energy use. As a result, transport emissions represent a large proportion of overall polluting emissions (78% of carbon monoxide emissions and 22% of CO2 emissions).
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| | | | | Essential Tip- Avoid using the car for short or unnecessary journeys. Try to walk, cycle or use public transport instead.
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- Share car journeys when you can. Organise car pools for regular commuters.
- Try using less congested routes and avoid rush-hour traffic.
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| | | | | Essential Tip- Driving between 65 and 80 km/hr, where safe and practicable, will significantly reduce emissions compared to higher speeds.
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- Drive smoothly and efficiently, harsh acceleration and heavy braking can use up to 30% more fuel and can cause increased wear and tear on the vehicle.
- After starting the engine, it is best to drive off immediately. Idling causes pollution and excessive fuel consumption.
- Try switching the engine off when stopped for even short periods, e.g. two minutes or more. It is more economical to switch the engine off and start it again when necessary.
- Reduce unnecessary drag. Removing unused bike racks or roof boxes will save 15-40% fuel consumption.
- Keep cool by using the car’s vents, rather than leaving the windows or sun roof open, this will save a further 3-5%.
- Keep tyres inflated to correct pressure and save up to 10% on fuel consumption. Incorrect tyre pressure increases fuel consumption, shortens the life of tyres and is dangerous.
- Use air-conditioning sparingly; running air conditioning continuously increases fuel consumption by 10% or more in city driving.
- Keep your engine regularly maintained and serviced for better fuel economy and lower emissions.
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| | | | | Essential Tip- When buying a car, choose one that meets your requirements and is fuel efficient.
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- Check the environmental labelling of cars. Under EU and Irish law, the motor industry must clearly display the fuel economy and CO2 emissions of new passenger cars. Labels indicate the energy performance of cars on an A to G range, with A being best. Cars registered are now subject to Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and annual road tax based on their CO2 emissions, so the more efficient the car, the lower its VRT and tax.
- To find out how your car rates, check out the 'How Clean is Your Car' section of the SEI website which lists the fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and other performance figures of cars from the year 2000 on www.sei.ie/howcleanisyourcar.
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