While every car made in or after 1992 will have a Euro emissions standard, which classifies what emissions it produces in what quantities, these are based on lab tests and the actual 'real-world' driving emissions can vary significantly.
But there are things you can take into account to improve your driving and ways to maintain your car to ensure you are reducing your car's emissions as much as possible.
Click on an entry to jump to that section:
Ways to be a greener driver
- Use a cleaning agent
- Use better fuel
- Change the oil
- Change the air filter
- Check your tyre pressure
- Air conditioning system
- Reduce idle time
- Change your driving style
- Avoid unnecessary driving
- Maintain your vehicle aerodynamic efficiency
- Change your car
1. Use a cleaning agent
As a car gets older, harmful deposits can build up in the vehicle's engine, reducing efficiency and increasing emissions.
Adding a cleaning agent into the fuel system will help remove the deposits and lower the emissions.
It’s worth considering using a premium fuel that already contains these additives.
Depending on the product, a bottle of liquid should be poured into the fuel tank – with the tank at least a quarter full – before driving the car 10 to 15 miles.
The exhaust and fuel cleaner should be used every three months to maintain optimum efficiency.
2. Use better fuel
"Is it worth paying more for premium fuels?" is a question frequently asked.
You'll have seen the more expensive fuels alongside regular diesel and unleaded, often labelled as 'premium', 'super' or 'ultimate'.
These types of fuels contain active cleaning agents to remove dirt from the engine, which should improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Some motorists may even notice an increase in performance.
Results vary depending on make, model and age of the vehicle, how the car is driven and the type of journey.
Try filling up three or four times to see if you notice any difference.
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3. Change the oil
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The engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle: the fluid that lubricates, cleans, cools and prevents wear.
It must be changed at regular intervals to keep your car running at optimum efficiency.
Check your vehicle's handbook for the recommended service intervals and make sure to regularly check your engine oil level between service intervals and top up in line with the manufacture’s guidelines, making sure you use the correct grade of oil.
MORE ADVICE: How to check your car's oil levels
4. Change the air filter
When an air filter is clogged up, the airflow to the engine is reduced, which can lead to a multitude of issues.
If an engine can't breathe, deposits will build up, causing premature wear and tear.
Again, check the recommended service intervals for the optimum time to change the filter, but be prepared to change it more regularly if you live in a dusty environment.
5. Check your tyre pressure
Be honest, how often do you check your tyre pressures?
According to Michelin, a tyre loses around 1 psi (0.076 bar) per month, but other factors might accelerate the leak.
Low tyre pressure increases fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, with a tyre under-inflated by 20 percent reducing economy by around 20 percent.
Check your tyre pressures in line with manufacture’s recommendations or at least once a month.
When replacing your tyres consider choosing ones that have low rolling resistance all tyres sold have an EU tyre label giving this information.
The difference could be as much as 0.5 litres of fuel per 100km.
6. Air conditioning system
We all like to set the cabin temperature to 'just so', but using the air conditioning makes the engine work harder, increasing the vehicle emissions.
We'd recommend turning off the air conditioning a few miles before reaching your destination, as the system will allow cool air to continue circulating via the fans.
Be sure to use the air conditioning system at least once a week to prevent expensive repairs further down the line.
However, it may be more fuel efficient to use the vehicles climate control system than to travel with the windows down as this creates drag on the vehicle increasing fuel consumption and emissions.
READ MORE: 14 ways to make your car last longer
7. Reduce idle time
Idle time is when a vehicle is left running, even when the car is parked or stuck in traffic. Limit the amount of time spent idling by warming the engine and cabin on the go, rather than before setting off.
Equally, if you're likely to be waiting for longer than 10 seconds, but certainly for more than a minute, switch off the engine.
Contrary to popular belief, idling for 10 seconds wastes more fuel than restarting.
If your car is fitted with a stop-start system, make sure it is switched on.
RAC roads policy spokesman Nick Lyes said: "With concerns about air quality and the environment we should all avoid idling when in stationary traffic.
"It is likely that clean air zones will be rolled out across the UK over the next few years but we can all do our bit now by switching the engine off when we can.
“We welcome the principle of no-idling zones, especially outside schools, hospitals and care homes.
No-one should have to suffer dirty air as a result of a driver leaving their engine on unnecessarily.
Sadly, many drivers don’t realise the harm they are causing by doing this.
“We have worked with a number of schools to encourage parents to switch their engines off.
It’s right that those that then persist in leaving them on should be subject to a charge.
“It is going to take a combination of different actions to rid our towns and cities of dirty air, introducing no-idling zones is one simple step that we can do now that can lead to cleaner air for all of us."
8. Change your driving style
Making small changes to your driving style can have a significant impact on the level of emissions.
Changing gear earlier, not exploring the upper reaches of the rev range, braking sooner and slowing down will reduce wear and tear, while maintaining efficiency.
Some vehicles monitor you’re driving style and give feedback through the dashboard information display.
9. Avoid unnecessary driving
Sounds obvious, doesn't it, but a car left at home is emitting nothing.
Could you combine two trips into one journey?
Is it easier to walk or cycle?
Consider car sharing schemes.
In short, think of alternatives to sitting behind the wheel.
10. Maintain your vehicle aerodynamic efficiency
If you have a roof rack, bike carrier or roof box fitted on your vehicle this will create resistance and cause drag increasing you vehicle emissions.
Consider removing these items when not in use.
READ MORE: How to save fuel - the ultimate guide
11. Change your car
Modern cars are more efficient than ever, with manufacturers facing increasingly stringent environmental legislation.
Taking the steps outlined above might lower the emissions of your existing vehicle, but a newer car might be the best option if a significant reduction is required.
READ NEXT: 30 top money-saving motoring tips
Read more on emissions and clean air zones
-
Clean Air Zones – what are they and where are they? -
The Ultra Low Emission Zone: what you need to know -
The Bristol Clean Air Zone: What you need to know -
The Birmingham Clean Air Zone: what you need to know -
Euro 1 to Euro 6 guide – find out your vehicle's emissions standard -
Low Emission Zones: what you need to know -
11 ways to reduce your driving emissions -
Is my car bad for the environment? A guide to vehicle exhaust emissions
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