Seven steps to a greener car 10 April 2008 Email this page Zoom Seven ways to help you cut your emissions Could help you save cash as well as the planet Advice on how you can improve fuel efficiency Tweet Parkers shows you how you can cut your carbon footprint - and your motoring bills. We've put together seven ways you can go green and save a packet. You'll get the biggest pay-back from those at the top but even those at the bottom will cut your fuel consumption, save you £££s and help you go green. Owning a car doesn't have to cost the earth. FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE 1. LOWER EMISSIONS The main way to help the environment is to reduce your CO2 emissions. The lower the figure, the cheaper the road tax, too. 2. FUEL CONSUMPTION Thirsty cars are less eco-friendly and can be costly to re-fuel. Find out how green your car is with our facts and figures section. 3. GO HYBRID Don't be put off by the jargon. Modern hybrids, such as Toyota Prius and Honda Civic, combine petrol and electric power for greener motoring. Our handy car glossary explains how hybrid technology works. 4. SHARE CARS Sharing a lift to work with neighbours, friends and colleagues is an excellent way to save money and cut your CO2. 5. WATCH YOUR WEIGHT Try to avoid lugging heavy loads whenever possible. Your car will use less fuel the lighter it is - only fill the boot when necessary. 6. FULL TANK Don't fill up your car at the petrol station if you only do short distance driving. A full tank is heavy and increases fuel consumption. 7. TYRE PRESSURE Under inflated tyres increase fuel bills as the resistance between the tyres and the road is greater. They can be dangerous, too. How green are you? Use the Parkers carbon footprint calculator to find out how green you and your car are. Calculate my carbon footprint More like this Car road tax up for all but the greenest cars Biofuels Q&A Ten greenest large 4x4s Ten greenest people carriers Ten greenest small family cars