Making driving green, clean and safe

Michelin With many people’s finances being stretched, especially when it comes to petrol prices, it’s worth noting that there are a number of steps we can all take to save fuel and maintain the longevity of tyres, while remaining safe at all times.

A considerable proportion of overall fuel consumption is influenced by us as drivers and there are a number of steps we can take in order to reduce costs.

Fuel saving

Here are some basic tips you can apply to your everyday driving habits in order to save on fuel and be kinder to the environment:

Drive at a constant speed, avoiding rapid stops and starts.
Change gears between 2,000 to 2,500 RPM in order to keep your engine speed as low as possible.
Check your tyre pressure. Under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption. Over inflated tyres have lower grip.
Look as far ahead as possible in order to anticipate possible events. This will enable you to maintain a constant speed.
Use air-conditioning sparingly, especially in the city.
Keep windows closed at high speeds. On the motorway, even one open window increases fuel consumption.
Turn off the engine when the car is at a standstill, for example in a traffic jam or at a railway crossing, if it is safe to do so.
Drive light. Extra weight increases fuel consumption and polluting emissions.
Remove unused accessories like roof racks and luggage carriers, which create aerodynamic drag.
Limit the use of electronics. Plug-in electrical appliances consume energy and fuel.

Longevity

Deterioration of tyres are a constant problem and while some factors, such as potholes, glass and rocks, are largely out of our control, there are behaviours we can change that influence the life of our tyres:

Under or over inflation

Tyres that are under inflated or over inflated can affect your tyre life, driving comfort, traction and braking. Under inflation generates excessive flexing of the tyre casing, which results in overheating, increase of rolling resistance and premature wear. In extreme cases, under inflation can cause tyre damage. Likewise, over inflation can reduce tyre life, reduce grip and create irregular wear.

Driving at speed

Driving at high speeds has a greater chance of causing tyre damage than at low speeds. If contact is made with a road hazard, it has a greater chance of causing tyre damage.

Driving at speed will cause the tyre a greater build-up of heat, which can cause tyre damage. It can also contribute to a sudden tyre destruction and rapid air loss if the tyres are not properly maintained. Failure to control a vehicle if a tyre experiences sudden air loss can lead to an accident. If you see any damage to a tyre or wheel, replace it with your spare tyre at once, then have it checked by a tyre specialist.

Overloading

To ensure that your tyres are not overloaded, read the load index of your tyres, which is found on the tyre sidewall. Do not exceed the load capacity relative to this load index. Tyres that are loaded beyond their maximum loads can build up excessive heat that may result in sudden tyre destruction. Also follow your manufacturer's loading recommendations. Do not exceed the maximum axle load rating for any axle on your vehicle.

Safety

All of the subjects covered above are directly related to keeping your driving safe, whether you are commuting, travelling long distances or nipping out to the shops.

As well as thinking about driving habits, tyre maintenance is also crucial to ensuring safety at all times. Issues such as when to change tyres, identifying when they are worn and the risks involved in driving with unsatisfactory tyres should all be considered.

For answers to all your safety and maintenance questions, visit http://www.michelin.co.uk