Air conditioning
Air conditioning provides real safety benefits such as demisting windows in wet or humid weather and keeping you comfortable and alert. However, using air conditioning will increase your fuel consumption.
What you can do:
At speeds below 80 km/h, it is generally more efficient to open a car's windows than to use the air conditioning.
Exhaust
A good exhaust system:
- ensures your vehicle is burning fuel efficiently
- reduces the emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants
- protects you and others inside your vehicle from harmful carbon monoxide
- reduces vehicle noise.
Things to watch out for:
- The smell of petrol while driving - an indicator of a possible exhaust leak.
- The smell of burning oil - a possible signal of a worn out engine.
- Smoke emissions - your vehicle may simply need an engine tune up or a new air filter. But smoke may signal the need for more serious repair - see your mechanic.
A number of legal requirements aim to minimise harmful emissions from the exhaust system. Does your vehicle meet them?
What you can do:
Keep your vehicle regularly tuned and maintained, check for exhaust leaks yourself.
Tyres
Tyres are a vital safety feature. Good tyres grip the road, which is what helps avoid crashes. Driving on poorly inflated tyres affects your vehicle's performance and uses more fuel.
What you can do:
Regularly check your tyre pressure. See more about tyres
