Environment

Cars are our business, and you need them to stay in business. However, it's an unfortunate fact that they are not very friendly towards the environment. That's why we take our responsibilities to help protect the planet seriously. We're committed to helping reduce the environmental impact of our fleet. So we actively support the Government's ACT ON CO2 campaign.

Hydrogen powered cars (such as the Honda Clarity) are undoubtedly the future, but until such times as they are readily available, it's up to us to help balance the requirements of the business and the environment.

We can help reduce your emissions

The good news is that cars are getting better all the time. Indeed, cars are up to 98% greener than their predecessors of the 70's (SMMT). Improvements in petrol and diesel engine technologies means that running a 'green fleet' need not be as expensive as you might imagine. We help you find the right cars for your business and help you achieve year on year reductions in CO2 emissions, by helping you apply 4 basic principles:

We don't believe in carbon offsetting

Carbon trading and offsetting schemes are seen by some as the best way to address the effects of cars on the climate. We see things a little differently however. In our view, carbon offsetting is a distraction that doesn't address the real issue.

So, we don't subscribe to any carbon trading scheme. Instead, we concentrate on implementing best practice vehicle management and changing driver behaviour. We believe it's the only way to achieve genuine long-lasting results.

ACVM Top Tips to Help the Environment

We all have a part to play, and it's really very easy to make a difference. You can make small lifestyle changes that can help protect the planet and save you money at the same time.

Idling is wasting fuel

When the engine is idling you're wasting fuel and adding to CO2 emissions. If you're likely to be at a standstill for more than 3 minutes, simply switch off the engine.

Use cruise-control

When you drive on a motorway, cruise control helps maintain a steady speed. According to tests conducted in the US by Edmunds, cruise control can provide a 7% average fuel saving.

Watch your tyre pressures

Under-inflated tyres create more resistance when your car is moving, which means your engine has to work harder, so more fuel is used and more CO2 emissions are produced. Check and adjust your tyre pressures at least once a month and also before long journeys. This will also help to increase the life of your tyres.

Remember that tyres will deflate naturally, perhaps by as much as 1.5 PSI a month. Fuel efficiency is typically reduced by 1% for every 3 PSI.

Less weight means less CO2

Clutter in your boot is extra weight your engine has to lug around. By removing it, you could reduce your engine's workload. This will burn less fuel and cut your CO2 emissions, so unload any items you won't need for your journey before you set out.

Every pound of extra weight requires your car to work harder, so put your golf clubs away! As a guide, an extra 100 pounds of weight will reduce your MPG by about 2%.

Less speed means less CO2

Speed limits are the maximum lawful speeds which may be driven in ideal circumstances. Staying at or within the speed limit increases driver safety. It also reduces CO2 emissions and saves money on your fuel costs. Did you know that at 70mph, you could be using up to 9% more fuel than at 60mph? At 50mph, uou could use up to 15% more fuel!

Fuel efficient tyres

Independent research by DEKRA and TUV in 2009, suggests that energy efficient tyres do indeed save fuel, not very much fuel, but there is a saving. The big benefit however, is that low-rolling resistance tyres can last up to 38% longer - clearly saving you money and helping the environment at the same time. The report also suggests that these tyres can indeed stop in the wet at least as well as normal tyres.

Over-revving accelerates emissions

Modern car engines are designed to be efficient from the moment they are switched on, so revving up like a Formula 1 car in pole position only wastes fuel and increases engine wear. Using your gears wisely by changing up a gear a little earlier can also reduce revs. If you drive a diesel car try changing up a gear when the rev counter reaches 2000rpm. For a petrol car try changing up at 2500rpm.

Allow your new vehicle to bed in

We strongly recommend that you allow a new vehuicle to 'bed in' over the first 1,000 miles or so. Although manufacturers bench test engines before they are installed, our experience suggests that a little more care over this introductory period will ensure longer term reliability and engine performance.

Only use air-conditioning at higher speeds

Using air-conditioning in your car can reduce your MPG by as much as 20%. In fact, your air-conditioner can use up to a gallon of fuel per tank to cool the vehicle. But driving with your windows open can produce aerodynamic drag, which reduces fuel economy. So, what do you do?

When driving at slower speeds (less than 40 mph), such as driving in urban areas, open windows are better. At higher speeds (over 40 mph), open windows use more fuel than the air-con, so close the windows and turn on the air-conditioner.

Less stopping and starting means less CO2

Every time you stop then start again in a traffic queue, the engine uses more fuel and therefore produces more CO2. Keep an eye on the traffic ahead and slow down early by gently lifting your foot off the accelerator while keeping the car in gear. In this way, the traffic may have started moving again by the time you approach the vehicle in front, so you can then change gear and be on your way.

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management