Seymour's tips on environmentaly friendly motoring

We all have our part to play in combating the very real threat of climate change. No contribution is too small and we can all contribute. This is a guide to how no matter what you drive or how often you drive you can still play a part.

Exhaust emissions from any motor vehicle, petrol or diesel contain a range of toxic substances that are harmful to not only the environment but can seriously damage our health. Either way it is essential that when we drive whatever we drive we use the least amount of fuel possible for that journey and that we emit the least amount of exhaust gas.

Change gear at the right time, 2500rpm for petrol cars and 2000rpm for diesel cars. Traveling at 37 mph in third gear uses 25% more fuel than it would in fifth gear.

Unplug it! Phone chargers and other electrical devices as well as the air conditioning unit uses more power and increases fuel consumption. Use only when necessary.

Stick to the speed limit.. When you speed you use more fuel and create more CO2. At 70mph you are using 9% more fuel than at 60mph and up to 15% more than when driving at 50mph.

Stop-start motoring in heavy traffic uses more fuel and produces more CO2. Keep an eye on the traffic and practice driving smoothly, avoid accelerating and braking, try and anticipate traffic movement.

Lose weight! Unnecessary weight in the car like golf clubs, roof racks or general clutter adds to fuel consumption and greater Co2

Don’t rev your engine, its not big and its not clever! Just wastes fuel and creates more pollution.

Tyre pressure has a profound affect on fuel consumption. Under inflated tyres create greater resistance when moving so your engine has to work harder and can add 3% to your fuel consumption. Tyres operating at the correct pressure will last longer.

Seymour's Brief Explanation of Emissions

Hydrocarbons

HC is made up of partially burned or unburned fuel. They are carcinogenic causing liver damage and cancer as well as being a major contributor to urban smog and an indirect greenhouse gas.

Carbon Monoxide

The result of incomplete combustion. CO greatly reduces the bloods capacity for carrying oxygen and is thus very dangerous to those suffering from heart disease.

Carbon Dioxide

CO2 is the most important of all the greenhouse gasses that is making a major impact on climate change. CO2 is the result of all combustion and although is not a health hazard as such, its increasing levels due to the greater use of fossil fuels is the greatest contributor to Global Warming.

Nitrogen Oxide

NOX Caused by the pressure and extreme temperature inside the engine as nitrogen in the air reacts with oxygen. Nox is a major contributor to smog and acid rain and has an adverse affect on health especially those with respiratory problems.