Green driving has been a trendy topic for a while now. Apart from driving a car that emits less CO2, there are a few easy things you can do whilst driving to further reduce your emissions. The trick is to reduce the amount of work your engine has to do. The less it has to work, the fewer the CO2 emissions, and the less fuel you’ll need to use.
Personal car travel produces 13 per cent of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions. It also contributes to local air pollution and congestion. The type of car you own, the way you drive it and the fuel you use can make a big difference to your impact on the environment.
Here are 6 great tips to help you become a greener driver. Pump up your tyres
Make sure your tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure level. This will cut down the resistance your tyres endure while moving and your engine won’t have to work as hard. Time to do some Spring cleaning
We all carry around un-needed items in our vehicle just in case. This creates extra weight that our car has to carry around. Unfortunately if you are determined to become the green type, you will have to get rid of your precious items to cut down both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Drive at the right speed
At 70 mph, you use 9% more fuel than at 60 mph, and up to 15% more than at 50 mph. Avoid repetitive stops
Every time you stop then start again in a traffic queue, the engine uses more fuel and therefore produces more CO2. Keep an eye on the traffic ahead and slow down early by gently lifting your foot off the accelerator while keeping the car in gear. Revving up wastes fuel and increases emissions
Revving up like a Formula 1 driver wastes fuel and emits more CO2. Try changing up a gear at a lower rpm. For petrol cars, try 2500rpm and 2000rpm for diesel cars.
Prolonged stationary periods with the engine running is wasteful too
When idling, your car is wasting fuel and still emitting CO2. So if you’re going to be at a standstill for more than three minutes, switch off your engine.
These tips can have a great impact on the environment and will also help you save a great deal of money!
A good quality second hand car should last you for a long time, and provide you with years, and miles, of quality service. However, as with most things in life, used cars require regular maintenance and preventative checks.
When you buy your car from a car dealer, it will have already been serviced, MOTd and given the general once over by a trained mechanic, but you can’t expect your car to run for years without giving the love and care that it deserves. The used car’s handbook will offer guidance on how often the car should be serviced, and some used cars even have onboard computers that tell you when a service is due; these should not be ignored.
You may think that regular servicing works out as being too expensive, as some services (depending on the make and model of the car) can run into hundreds of pounds, but the money you’ll save in the long run makes this more than worth it. Regular servicing ensures that your car doesn’t develop any new faults that can become more expensive to repair retrospectively. Any issues with your engine, your brakes or even something simple like your tyres need to be caught early, before they become serious problems – costing you more.
In addition to keeping your car in tip-top condition, regular servicing also helps used cars to retain their value because buyers, whether private or a used car dealer, will look for proof that a car has been looked after and serviced regularly.
Car shows make for one of the most exciting days out for car lovers, and the UK is always a hub of activity when it comes to trade shows showcasing the latest new cars. Car shows are places where you can see glamour, glitz and the pinnacle of design from the world’s top car manufacturers. Car lovers and car dealers alike get to view what’s in store for the future of the car industry, mingle with the car designers themselves, and sit inside some of the most expensive cars ever built.
One of the main trade shows this year, showcasing the latest in new cars, is MPH in London and Birmingham. This trade show takes place in November, and features the boys from BBC’s Top Gear putting on a show
If November seems too far away, there’s a car trade show in May taking place in Bristol. The Footman James 31st Bristol Classic Car Show holds the accolade of being the longest running car show in the UK for classic cars.
If you like your new cars to be fast, loud and exciting, then you’ll want to attend ‘Autosport International-The Racing Car Show’, which is held at the beginning of the year, in January. This show takes place in the NEC in Birmingham, and sees the latest cars from the world of motorsport and biking, as well as showcasing some of the latest high end marques.
Whether you’re in the market for a new car, or if you just like looking at new cars, car trade shows in the UK are just the place to visit.
Many people planning a short break, or perhaps a longer holiday, in one of the beautiful far flung corners of the UK, may be worried that their car may not be geared up for travelling long distances. They may also feel daunted by the prospect of a long time spent sat in an uncomfortable environment.
Whilst it is true that certain measures can help with a long car journey, such as making sure tyres have sufficient tread and are fully inflated; and that oil and coolant levels are topped up; no amount of preparation can compensate for the often restrictive, bland, and even possibly unsafe environment of an older model of car. As a result, many holiday-makers say they are looking to treat themselves to a new car for 2010.
Firstly, new cars can benefit from a range of high performance factors that help take the strain out of driving long distances: for example, better acceleration power, 4-wheel drive and automatic transmission.
Secondly, safety features on new cars, such as reinforced bodywork, ABS breaking systems, stability control and airbags will provide added protection for all occupants.
Thirdly, comfort enhancements such as active headrests, sophisticated climate control systems and responsive steering will help make the journey more of a pleasure rather than a chore. A new car can also specifically benefit younger passengers when rear-seat entertainment systems are provided as standard.
The joy of a holiday or short break should begin with the trip getting there, and there is no better way of ensuring the drive is a pleasure than through buying a new car for 2010.
The car club Quadriga was developed as a practical alternative to car ownership. By joining the club you can have access to a big car when you want-rather than for everyday driving. This is particular useful for people who live in cities particularly London where driving big cars is a hassle. Quadriga allows you to have a luxury car at the weekend or whenever you need it and a smaller more eco friendly car for the week.
You can also use Quadriga to drive luxury cars without luxury prices. You can have access to Porshes, BMWs and Audis for as little as £35 per day. Quadriga is a unique scheme that gives you access to the right car for every occasion.
To become a member you need to pay a joining fee and then you can choose from a variety of Club Cars or Plus Cars. Club Cars are available on pay-as-you-go, prepay or pay monthly plans. You can choose from luxury SUVs, coupes and sports cars. Plus cars are supercars and are available on a daily hire charge.
In addition, Quadriga has the Citroen C1 Ev’ie Electric on offer. This is a great every day car, is environmentally friendly and perfect for city driving. It’s like a car lease – only better! Parking permits, tax, insurance etc are all sorted out for you so it takes the hassle and stress out of driving.
A perfect 4 seater electric car. Electric cars have become more and more popular due to soaring petrol costs and an emphasis on greener living. Choosing an electric car means you will make a lot of savings on car running costs as well as helping the environment. The Citroen C1 Ev’ie is a four-seat low-emissions vehicle with a range of 60-70 miles and a top speed of 60mph. Perfect for city driving, the car can takes 6-7 hours to charge using a simple domestic plug socket for a cost of around 90p. That works out at fuel costs of less then 2p per mile.
The other benefit of the Citroen C1 Ev’ie is it looks just like any other car and offers a very normal driving experience. The space isn’t limited as with some electric cars and there is a normal amount of space in the back.
The government has announced plans to spend up to 30 million pounds on electric vehicle charging stations. The first to get the recharging points will be Milton Keynes, north east England and London, 11,000 will be set up in the next three years. The commitment the government is making to electric cars means they are likely to become more and more popular .
The Citroen C1 Ev’ie is available through London car clubs at the moment which is also a low cost alternative to car ownership. You will also make savings on tax, insurance etc. Definitely worth looking into to, as electric car leasing becomes more and more popular!
Vauxhall have recently launched a pop art competition whose winner will feature in the next Corsa advert.
Pop Art is a movement that is world famous and when one says Pop Art the first name that generally springs to mind is Warhol. The movement has always been “in” as it is based on popular culture and targets a broad audience. It is easy to understand and accessible to all, as it broke down the barriers of traditional art and mass culture. Pop Art has had a close relationship with advertising and mass media, as it makes something which seems to have nothing special stand out, such as soup cans or knives.
Hence why Vauxhall are using this style to target a wide audience and make one lucky person the face of their next Corsa advert. As Warhol said, “In the future everyone will be world-famous for fifteen minutes.” Now is your chance to be famous by entering this competition and maybe having the chance to see yourself in the next TV advert. So join the facebook competition now and join the line of those who have had Warhol-style portrait.
Vauxhall Corsa Pop Art competition
Introduced during the Frankfurt Motor Show last September, the New Vauxhall Astra for 2010 is said to be by far the most sophisticated and refined yet compared to its predecessors. It definitely is one of the best new cars for 2010!
You are probably wondering: what is different from the previous models?
Well, first of all, the most obvious improvement has to be the design. The Astra has been created by a partnership of designers engineers who have integrated great design with dynamic performance.
With its self-confidence and powerful silhouette, the new Vauxhall Astra clearly distinguishes from its predecessors.
The inside of the car is also very spacious and classical which makes it unique, sporty and sophisticated.
The all-new Vauxhall Astra features optional fully Ergonomic Sports Seat to suit your posture perfectly.
This new car is also available with Adaptive Forward Lighting as an optional extra and benefits from the most advanced headlight system in its class. They automatically adjust to different conditions ensuring safer and more relaxed driving.
The new Flexride driving dynamic offers you different driving modes: “Sport” for a more responsive and exciting drive, “Tour” for a relaxed cruising and “Normal” as the default mode.
The new Vauxhall Astra is also available with the ecoFLEX option to ensure a greener drive by saving fuel and reducing emissions.
No wonder this car has been the winner of the Golden Steering Wheel Award this year!
The government scrappage scheme has seen a marked increase in the number of new cars being bought from showrooms. Car manufacturers have been fighting to release new models for 2010, meaning brand new “last season” cars and vans are leaving the showrooms for practically the same price as used cars were last year. Currently, you can buy a brand new Vauxhall combo van for less than the cost of a used mini, in some areas.
As prices become lower, there’s a lot to be said for buying cars from new. While it’s true they become used cars as soon as they leave the showroom, nothing quite beats the allure of virgin upholstery and gleaming metalwork, never mind the zero miles on the clock.
Yet buying a new car brings much more than just swank value – it also brings peace of mind, and considerable savings. The government looks favourably on owners who have invested in the latest eco-friendly cars and vans; the rewards are cheaper road tax, fuel bills and insurance.
Vauxhall is one car manufacturer that has broken the mould. Each new range brings ground-breaking developments. For example, Vauxhall 2010 cars include the Corsa Ecoflex diesel, which manages a staggering 76.3 MPG. Other Vauxhall 2010 cars include the revamped Astra and the Meriva MPV range.
Vauxhall used cars will always be popular; they’re cheap and reliable, after all and given the choice, most people would opt for a new model. New cars give you guaranteed reliability and peace of mind and the knowledge that you have the latest technology under the bonnet.
Have you considered luxury car hire for a special occasion? It may be cheaper than you think. If you are planning a weekend away you could make it extra special by organising a luxury car to whisk you away.
Luxury cars are usually associated with weddings. It is traditional for a special car to be hired for a wedding to take the bride from her house to the location of the wedding. However there are other occasions where a luxury car can really make an event. For example as transport to a birthday event or party. Giving a luxury car experience can also make for a good gift. Hiring a limo is a great present for an 18th or 21st birthday!
If you want more luxury in your life all year round then consider a luxury car lease or luxury car club. By getting a luxury car lease you can enjoy the comfort and excitement for a prolonged period! If you join a luxury car club you can have access to luxury cars either full time or for a certain amount of days per month, meaning it could be a cheaper option. Some car clubs even give you the option to choose from an electric car lease or luxury car lease or a combination of the two. Therefore, you will always have the perfect car for every occasion!
