Despite the fact that cars have made our lives easier manifold, they are the main source of carbon footprint. To put it in layman’s parlance, the carbon footprint is referred to as the amount of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere as a result of any particular activity. Carbon dioxide is produced in cars as a result of fuel combustion. According to the International Environment Agency, nearly a quarter of the global CO2 emissions are associated with transportation. While the UAE government has taken huge steps to reduce carbon footprint, there is a big part we can play on an individual level.
This guide lists the best ways to reduce the carbon footprint of your car
Ways to Reduce Your Car’s Carbon Footprint
One cannot completely stop using cars, but it is possible to be more responsible in how we use them. Small decisions can have a major impact in the long run. Following are some useful tips to reduce your car’s carbon footprint.
Use Public Transport
The more cars there are on the road, the higher the carbon footprint. That is why public transport is considered as one of the best ways to reduce the carbon dioxide level in the environment. In the UAE, there are a number of viable ride-sharing services available or even public transport services like RTA Bus on Demand in Dubai.
In order to offer a more sustainable mode of transport, Dubai’s government launched the Hyperloop Project which aimed to address the problem of carbon emission into the atmosphere. Moreover, if your destination is at a short walkable distance, you can walk or cycle which will not only be beneficial for the environment but also improve your health. In May 2017, UAE’s Minister of Energy and Industry Suhail Mohammad Faraj Al Mazroui initiated a program named “Incentives for Using Electric Vehicles”, which aimed for an uptick in the number of electric vehicles in UAE.
Avoid Idling
If you have ever been stuck in a traffic jam, you might have noticed that the majority of drivers do not turn their cars off when it is idle. There is absolutely no point whatsoever in running the engine when it is idle. Not only does car engine idling contribute to the carbon footprint in the atmosphere, but it also poses a risk to the health of other drivers on the street. In fact, an idling engine can emit up to twice the amount of hazardous gases as compared to an engine in motion.
Drive Responsibly
Our driving habits greatly impact the emissions from our cars. Changing these habits can greatly reduce your car’s carbon footprint. Following are some of the habits that we can adopt to make driving more environment friendly:
- Avoid pressing the accelerator or brake with force: Accelerating and decelerating smoothly will be beneficial for your vehicle as well as the environment as it would emit less amount of carbon dioxide.
- Don’t Overload: The heavier your vehicle is, the more fuel it consumes. The more fuel it uses, the more it emits carbon dioxide. Hence, you can reduce carbon footprint in car by reducing as much weight as you can.
Maintain Your Vehicle
A poorly-maintained car would contribute more carbon footprint to the environment than a well-maintained one. The normal wear and tear of important components decrease the efficiency of a car’s engine. When the engine is under a lot of strain or is unable to work as smoothly as it should, it produces more carbon dioxide during combustion. Even a lower fluid level or inappropriate tyre pressure can contribute to higher emissions. Therefore, regular maintenance is crucial for your car’s overall efficiency.
Switching to Effecient Vehicles
Thanks to the electrification of vehicles, the goal of zero net emissions seems realistic though it is still a long way to go. There is a drastic reduction in the amount of carbon footprint if you drive an electric or hybrid vehicle. A research study, led by Dr Florian Knobloch from the University of Nijmegen, stated that every second car on the streets of the world could be electric by 2050, which would cut down global emissions of carbon dioxide by up to 1.5 gigatonnes per year.
Even for petrol-powered vehicles, you can opt for cars that are more fuel-efficient. CVT and several assistive features such as cruise control also play a role in improving efficiency. Combine these features with an electric or hybrid engine, and you have a car that is eco-friendly and efficient.
If you want to switch to an effecient vehicle with a lower footprint, browse through this huge collection of used cars for sale in UAE.
To keep up with all that’s happening in the automotive industry, stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog.
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