It'sa good idea to buy a vehicle with an engine that's 1.4 litres or smaller.  All new cars have to meet European standardsin terms of exhaust emissions, one reason why new cars are less likely topollute than an older car.    

It?salso possible to buy a car that runs on biofuels, but before you do it's a goodidea to check the availability of the appropriate biofuel in your area. 

Analternative is to have your petrol engine car converted to run on liquidpetroleum gas (LPG), which lowers the toxic emissions.  It costs about ?1,000 to convert but it?scheaper to run.  Your car could also beconverted to run on compressed natural gas (CNG), which results in even lowertoxic chemical emissions. 

Dieselengines are more fuel efficient and emit lower levels of CO2 then petrolengines, while petrol engines produce less toxic emissions. 

Formore information go to http://www.direct.gov.ukand click on ?Greener Travel?.  Direct Line also has tips and informationthat can assist in travelling greener.

Save fuel

Savefuel through a couple of simple changes. Tyres that are under inflated create more of a resistance which raisesfuel consumption.  Check tyre pressure ona regular basis and keep them at the optimal pressure.  Wheel alignment should also be checkedregularly to reduce drag and old tyres can be replaced with energy savingtyres. 

Take care

Ittakes a little bit of work and care to look after your car.  Send your car in for servicing regularly, askthe technicians to check that the air filter is clean, that the fuel andignition systems are operating efficiently and that the oil is changed usingthe correct grade.  This all helps tokeep your car running smoothly and to use fuel efficiently.

Final checks

Travellight to improve fuel consumption, don't carry anything unnecessary in the backseat or boot. 

Ona hot day, don't automatically turn the air conditioning on, hold off as longas possible.  Likewise, don't switch onthe heated windscreen unless absolutely necessary. 

Don?twait for the engine to warm up before driving, it only increases the amount ofCO2 in the atmosphere.  Switch off theengine if sitting for more than three minutes in traffic.

Anddrive smoothly, avoid braking suddenly or accelerating rapidly. 

Don't driveat all

Isyour journey really necessary? If possible, walk, cycle or use public transportto reach your destination.  The morepeople that do so the more the environment will benefit.