Initial plans for a clean air zone are currently underway in Cheltenham. The spa town is currently seeing illegally-high levels of toxic nitrogen dioxide so an area for zero emission vehicles could see older more polluted vehicles charged, or even completely banned in order to reduce air pollution is being explored by civic chiefs.

Vehicles are a major contributor to particulate emissions – micro foreign particles that can bypass the body’s natural defences and contribute to respiratory problems and other serious illnesses. There are various methods that drivers can help implement in order to reduce emissions in both built up areas and the countryside. Here’s out top 5 tips…

 

Top tip 1:

Reduce your driving time to reduce your emissions

Simple, less time on the roads mean less emissions – whether that’s planning your journey better or using other transportation methods. 

Sat nav’s help with planning shorter routes and less wasted minutes on the road searching for the best parking spots. 

Cutting the number of short journeys is important, if you can walk or cycle instead then this will make a significant difference to your carbon footprint.  When your engine is running for a while, its internal components warm which makes your engine more efficient. So if you must drive your car then try to get all your errands done in one go before your engine goes cold again. 

Also, avoid leaving your vehicle running unnecessarily.  A car idling for one minute produces enough exhaust emissions containing harmful chemicals to fill 150 balloons! Many vehicles now have stop-start features but in yours doesn’t then think about how you can efficiently avoid too much idle time.

Top tip 2: 

Consider the weight and aerodynamics of your vehicle

It’s early March and still in storm season as we write this, so it seems crazy to think about opening your windows while driving at the moment; but spring will be upon us soon and the temptation will be to wind down the windows to enjoy the warmer air as soon as possible. But opening windows creates drag, which in turn means more engine power is required to reach the same speeds. Additional weight in the car also requires more power, so make sure your vehicle’s aerodynamics is as effective as possible and empty any unessential luggage, work tools and loads from the vehicle

Top tip 3:

Accelerate and brake more smoothly

Heavy acceleration combined with stop-start driving burns the greatest amount of fuel. To ensure you are driving with optimal fuel efficiency, slowly build and reduce your speed wherever possible. You’ll save money in fuel each week and reduce your emissions. 

Depending on your driving habits, this may seem hard to do – but get in the habit of looking further head and reacting quicker to the vehicles in front. In addition to saving fuel, you’ll also be calmer and reduce the likelihood of accidents!

Top tip 4: 

Cut your use of air conditioning and heating systems

Air conditioning and heater systems are powered by your engine, thus increasing your vehicle’s emissions. To limit emissions, turn off your systems as soon as you reach your preferred temperature. If your vehicle is frosted over, then use a scraper or cold water to remove most of the ice on your windows instead of running your engine to power your heater. 

Top tip 5:

Check your car and keep a clean DPF if you drive diesel

A lubricated engine is able to perform more efficiently, lowering your fuel consumption and reducing your emissions. Ensure you stick to your vehicle’s recommended service intervals and keep up to date with your mots. 

Air filters prevent foreign particles such as dirt and pollen entering your vehicle engine. As you run your vehicle, your filter will gradually clog up over time. This can impact the overall fuel efficiency of your vehicle, increasing your emissions per mile.

DPF’s fitted to cars, vans and LCV’s are generally not seen as serviceable items as they are a part of a sealed system; but DPF’s become blocked with soot, resulting in a loss of power and increased emissions – ultimately your DPF could failed and damage your whole engine. If the regeneration system on the vehicle is ineffective then the option is to clean or replace the DPF.  Excalibre Technologies are Gloucestershire’s leading specialists in DPF cleaning and retrofit systems. We can clean the DPF, removing all of the accumulated soot and ash and return it to an as new condition.

For further information about our services, click the relevant link below: 

Car and LCV DPF Cleaning

Bus and Truck DPF cleaning

Euro 4 & 5 DPF Cleaning – Open Filters

Euro 4 & 5 SCR Silencer Catalyst Cleaning

Retrofit solution – perfect for clean air zone compliance