Eco-Friendly Driving Tips this Summer

There’s always something exciting about the prospect of heading out for a summertime drive. Whether it’s a weekend amble or a journey to somewhere further afield, getting out behind the wheel this summer is always something to look forward to. Here at Eden, we’ve got a range of excellent cars that could make your summer drive even better, so check out our current range today.

But how can you make sure that, as well as having fun, you’re driving in as eco-friendly way as possible? Well, we’re going to explore all of the ways to make your driving as efficient as it can be this summer.

Windows down for around town

When there’s hot weather outside, it can be tempting to rely solely on your car’s air conditioning. But because it puts additional strain on your car’s engine, air-con will result in your vehicle using more fuel, or electricity if it’s an EV.

So when you’re around town, drop the windows to keep the interior of your car cool. You can keep them down at moderate speeds, too, though when you’re driving quickly it’s best to roll them back up again as the drag that they create when down is enough to lower your car’s overall MPG by more than the air conditioning will.

Remove unused items from the boot

During the summer, it’s less likely that you’ll need to wear a large coat or carry an umbrella, so take these out of your car if you’ve been storing them during winter and spring. While you’re there, it’s worth checking to see if there’s anything else that could be stored at home instead.

In doing so, you’re going to lower the overall weight of your car and make it more efficient in the process. It’s unlikely to have a huge impact, but it’ll certainly have a positive impact on things.

Make sure your car is properly serviced

A car which is regularly serviced will run at its most efficient, so it’s good to keep up with the regular maintenance of your vehicle. Even a yearly oil service and checkover will ensure that your car is running as smoothly as can be, while regular checks can spot any larger issues that may present.

Here at Eden we provide a full servicing facility with all types of jobs undertaken by our specialists. Find out more and get in touch today.

Keep tyres properly inflated

One of the worst offenders when it comes to efficiency is under-inflated tyres. When not properly topped up, tyres will effectively ‘drag’ a car back and won’t roll as well as when they’re inflated to the right levels. As a result, they’ll cause higher fuel use and will wear out more quickly, too.

So make sure that they’re topped up to the right levels. You’ll be able to find the correct pressures for your car’s tyres in the vehicle handbook or on the panel inside the driver’s door. If you’re still unsure, then get in touch and a member of the Eden team will be able to help.

Change up earlier

While it can be enjoyable to rev a car for longer, doing so will increase your fuel usage and will mean you’re not driving as efficiently as you could be. Instead, shift gears a little earlier - if you’re in a manual car - and this will have a positive effect on your fuel consumption overall.

You could also try being a little more forward-thinking with the throttle. For instance, if you’re approaching the brow of a hill, lift off the accelerator just before you reach the top and allow the car to coast over the other side. It’ll help to reduce how much fuel you’ll use overall.

Consider changing cars

If your car is older and less efficient, then switching to a newer and less emitting model could certainly help. Here at Eden, we’ve got hundreds of the very best new and pre-owned vehicles to check out today, coming from manufacturers such as Vauxhall, Hyundai and Peugeot.

If you’re looking to lower your emissions even further, then you might want to consider an electric vehicle, which, again, we’re proud to offer here at Eden.