How to make your car more eco-friendly while saving you money

Here are some simple, low-fuss ways to make sure that you’re mindful of how your choice of transport impacts the environment, whatever year, make or model it might be. You'll also save a few dollars on fuel too.

Tyres that have the correct pressure tend to last longer and roll more efficiently (which avoids burning unnecessary fuel), so it’s good to get into the habit of checking up on them at least once a month. Get comfortable with using the air compressor at your local petrol station (the gauge on the filler will tell you when to stop). If you’re not sure what the ideal range for your tyres are, check your owner’s manual on the panel on the inside of your door jam. Find out more tyre advice here.

Topping off your tank is a delicate art – overfill it, and you could end up causing vapour emissions or an overspill of fuel. It’s best to be conservative when topping up your petrol and make sure your fuel cap is screwed on securely before you drive away. Find out some more ways to save fuel here.

Confront your inner hoarder, and choose to travel light. Your wallet will thank you for it. The heavier the contents inside your car, the more fuel you end up burning.

While there are some handy essentials every car should keep stashed in the trunk – a first aid kit, jumper cables, a clean and empty petrol can for emergency fuel top-ups – take stock of any hefty junk that might be better left at home. Here are some top tips to pack for your next road trip.

Maybe your car is in great shape, and you’ve done your homework to make sure it meets environmental impact standards.

The way you drive your car matters, and can undo some of the trouble you’ve gone to. To make sure you’re not driving recklessly, plan ahead the route you’ll take to get to where you need to not fall into a detour trap. Go easy on the accelerator or any other general road rage-type behaviour. Avoid the urge to idle your engine (it burns fuel), and stay steady with cruise control when you’re driving on a clear path ahead. Here are some tips to avoid car park rage.

Car manufacturers are making new strides in hybrid and electric car technology every day, so it may not be long before these models can become the norm for everyday drivers rather than the exception. And eventually, the high price of early adoption will come down considerably.

Switching gears to drive greener can save you money, make you more efficient with petrol usage, and ultimately, change the way you drive when you’re behind the wheel. The future will be in better hands for the choices you make.

Related: 10 tips to save fuel

Related: How an EV helps the environment

Related: The three easy car checks you should be doing every month