A cleaner car will perform better, get better gas mileage, and cost less to operate. Reducing your car emissions is good for the environment. The Euro emissions standard, which categorises the types and amounts of car emissions produced by every car built in or after 1992, is based on laboratory tests, and actual emissions from “real-world” driving might vary greatly.

To guarantee you are minimising your vehicle’s emissions as much as possible, there are steps you can take to enhance your driving and maintain your vehicle.

1. Apply a cleaning solution

In the engine of an older car, hazardous deposits may accumulate, decreasing performance and raising car emissions. To help remove the deposits and reduce car emissions, a cleaning agent can be added to the fuel system. Utilising premium fuel that already has these additives is something to think about.

Before driving the automobile 10 to 15 miles, depending on the product, a bottle of liquid should be poured into the gasoline tank, with at least a quarter of the tank full. To maintain maximum effectiveness, the exhaust and fuel cleaner should be used every three months.

2. Invest in improved fuel

It’s common to wonder whether paying more for premium fuels is worthwhile. Along with standard diesel and unleaded, you’ve probably noticed the more expensive fuels, which are frequently designated as “premium,” “super,” or “ultimate.” In order to enhance fuel economy and lower car emissions, these fuels contain active cleaning agents that remove dirt from the engine.

Some drivers might even see improved performance. The make, model, and age of the automobile, the way it is driven, and the sort of trip all affect the results. To see whether there is a difference, try filling up three or four times.

3. Replace the oil

Your car’s engine oil is its lifeblood since it lubricates, cleans, cools, and prevents wear. It needs to be replaced on a regular basis to keep your car operating as efficiently as possible.

For the suggested service intervals for your vehicle, consult the owner’s manual. Be sure to frequently check your engine oil level in between services and top it up according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, making sure to use the right grade of oil.

4. Replace your air filter

A blocked air filter restricts airflow to the engine, which can cause a variety of problems. Deposits will accumulate in an engine that can’t breathe, leading to early wear and tear. Once more, consult the suggested service intervals to determine when to change the filter, but be ready to do so more frequently if you reside in a dusty area.

5. Verify the pressure in your tyres

How often do you actually check the pressure in your tyres? A tyre loses about 1 psi (0.076 bar) per month, although additional variables could speed up the leak, according to Michelin.

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Low tyre pressure raises fuel consumption and CO2 car emissions, with a 20% underinflated tyre lowering economy by roughly 20%. According to the manufacturer’s instructions, or at least once per month, check your tyres’ air pressure. The difference in fuel consumption per 100 km may be as big as 0.5 litres.

6. Air conditioning system 

We all prefer to get the interior temperature just right, but running the air conditioner increases car emissions since it makes the engine work harder.

A few miles before arriving at your destination, we advise turning off the air conditioning so that the fans may continue to circulate cool air. To avoid future costly repairs, make sure to use the air conditioning system at least once a week.

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However, travelling with the windows down generates drag on the vehicle, which increases fuel consumption and emissions. It may be more fuel-efficient to use the climate control system in the car. 

7. Shorten downtime

Even when the car is stopped or stalled in traffic, this is known as idle time. By warming the engine and cabin while moving rather than before departing, you can cut down on idle time. Likewise, turn off the engine if you expect to be waiting for more than 10 seconds, but no less than one minute.

Contrary to widespread assumption, starting after idling for 10 seconds uses more fuel. Make sure the stop-start system is turned on if your automobile has one. Nobody should be forced to breathe polluted air as a result of a vehicle leaving its engine on when it is not necessary. Unfortunately, a lot of drivers fail to recognise the damage they are doing by doing this.

8. Modify your driving mannerisms

Car emissions can be significantly reduced by making even simple changes to your driving style. Reduced wear and tear while preserving efficiency can be achieved by shifting into lower gear sooner, avoiding the top end of the rev range, braking sooner, and slowing down. Some automobiles keep track of your driving habits and provide feedback on the dashboard information screen.

9. Refrain from excessive driving

It may seem simple, but a car left at home emits nothing. Would it be possible to combine two trips into one? Which is easier, cycling or walking? Think about car-sharing programmes.  Consider other options besides driving, in other words.

10. Maintain the aerodynamic effectiveness of your vehicle

Your car’s emissions will increase if you have a roof rack, bike carrier, or roof box installed on it. When not in use, you might want to remove these things.

11. Get a new vehicle

Given the increasingly strict environmental regulations that manufacturers must comply with, modern cars are more efficient than ever. If a large decrease is required, a newer car might be the best alternative. The techniques listed above may help reduce the emissions of your current vehicle.