What Car
	When to Use It
	When Driving Your Car
	Operating the Car’s Equipment
	Maintaining Your Car

What Car
It is now mandatory under Irish and EU law for the motor industry to clearly advertise the fuel economy and CO2 emissions of new passenger cars , allowing consumers to make informed purchasing choices on both environmental and economic grounds.

This requires the placing of fuel consumption and emissions labels on all new cars on display for sale or lease at forecourts, showrooms etc. All points of sale or lease for new cars must also display posters with this information and include it in all promotional literature and material.

Ask the sales person for the Guide to Passenger Vehicles Fuel Economy & CO2 Emissions  (.pdf, 176kb). This Guide was published to provide consumers with relevant information on fuel efficiency on both urban and rural travel basis and on CO2 emissions on the purchase of any new passenger car. The Guide contains: driving tips for improved environmental performance; the ten lowest CO2 petrol and diesel Cars; fuel economy and CO2 emission for all makes and models of new passenger cars. [back to top]

When to Use It
Avoid using your car for short or unnecessary journeys. Try to walk, cycle or use public transport instead. 

Plan ahead by combining trips (such as shopping and the school run) to avoid taking the car out several times.

Try to use less congested routes and avoid rush hours if possible. [back to top]

When Driving Your Car
Driving at high speed (over 50 mph and especially over 60mph) uses more fuel and causes more pollution.  Try to keep to lower speeds.

An aggressive driving style can lead to an increase in fuel consumption of 10-12% above average. In contrast, an energy aware driving style can save up to 13% on fuel consumption and is better for the environment and for your wallet.

There are some simple steps you can take when driving to reduce fuel consumption and improve efficiency.

• After starting the engine, it is best to drive off immediately. Idling causes pollution and excessive fuel consumption.
• Depress the accelerator gently to drive away and change to a higher gear in time.
• Do not approach traffic lights at speed. If it is clear that you will have to stop, begin slowing down well in advance.
• Even if you only have to wait for 30 seconds, it is more economical to switch the engine off and start it again when necessary.
• To drive economically you need to maintain a sufficient distance between yourself and the next vehicle. This way there is less need to react suddenly; you can brake and accelerate more smoothly.
• Avoid over-revving the engine unnecessarily and drive in a gear position suitable to road conditions.
• On bends, reduce speed in time and accelerate smoothly when you are halfway through a bend. Late, heavy braking before a bend followed by rapid acceleration leads to excessive fuel consumption.
• If you watch the roads ahead and anticipate any likely problems, your driving style will become smoother and better controlled. [back to top]
  

Operating the Car’s Equipment

• Avoid drag. Where possible keep all windows closed and ensure that the doors, bonnet and boot are securely fastened.
• Switch the rear screen demister off when the window is clear because when it is switched on your fuel consumption rises by 3% - 5%.
• Close the widows and use the vents instead because when your front window is half open your fuel consumption increases by 5% at 50 mph (or 10% if you are driving at 70 mph)
• When your sunroof is open fuel consumption rises by approximately 4%. When it is half open it increases by approximately 3%.
• Use air-conditioning sparingly – running air-conditioning continuously increases fuel consumption significantly. [back to top]
  

Maintaining Your Car

• Tyres in good condition and at the right pressure improve both safety and fuel consumption. Be sure to check your tyres regularly.
• Ensure your car is properly and regularly maintained. Poor engine lubrication, wheel alignment and poorly adjusted brakes can increase fuel consumption.
• Check tyre pressure regularly and use the correct manufacturers figures.  Tyre pressure 7psi too low increases fuel consumption by 2-3% and increases wear and tear on tyres [back to top]