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An environmentally-friendly car could be the answer
– retaining the convenience factor while at the same time reducing
your carbon footprint. A number of ‘green’ vehicles exist in the
market today, running on a variety of environmentally-friendlier
fuels such as LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and BioDiesel.
LPG cars produce lower emissions of carbon dioxide
and carbon monoxide compared with traditional petrol and diesel
engines, making them far more environmentally-friendly vehicles. But
there are also practical benefits for the consumer.
As a clean-burning fuel, LPG causes less wear and
tear to vehicles. LPG cars are also highly efficient, and with pump
prices around half that of traditional fuels, you can save
considerably on your fuel bills.
Most are dual-fuel (often referred to as hybrid),
which means they can still be run on traditional petrol or diesel at
the flick of a switch. While not as good for the environment, the
dual-fuel approach is reassuring for consumers who point to the lack
of alternative fuel refill stations as a potential cause for
concern.
BioDiesel is produced from renewable sources, and
though carbon dioxide is emitted when it’s burned, the plants used
to create the fuel absorb much of it to aid their growth. As a
result, net emissions are considerably lower than traditional
diesel.
The fuel is yet to reach most petrol stations, but
is gaining popularity with some motorists and may soon achieve
higher prominence on forecourts around the country.
Already found at a number of petrol stations in
the UK is BioEthanol. A renewable-source fuel in the same mould as
BioDiesel, it gives a 70% carbon dioxide reduction compared with
petrol. Running costs are equivalent to petrol engines.
Other concepts for environmentally-friendly cars
that have yet to be developed on a grand scale. Electric cars are
charged, as opposed to being filled with fuel, but only a handful
have made it onto the market. Solar cars are thought to be decades
away from emerging as a realistic option, while Hydrogen cars are
considered to be just ten years away from mass production.
If you aren’t ready to take the plunge into
alternative fuels, there are steps you can take to limit your own
car’s impact on the environment.
- Pump your tyres up to the correct pressures, as
stipulated in your vehicle manual. Under-inflated tyres will
force the car to work harder, and lower your fuel efficiency.
- Switch off your engine if stationary for more
than a few minutes. An idling engine is bad for the environment
and a waste of your money.
- Lift-share where possible – it helps keep
unnecessary cars off the road, and saves you money if you share
fuel costs.
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