Change the world Wednesday – week 8

If you’ve not joined in already, please visit the Reduce Footprints site to see how you can join in and change the world on a Wednesday!

Last week we had to close the loop by purchasing recycled products. This week we’re taking care of our cars.

We’re to check our tyre pressure, check the air filter and replace if necessary and fix any oil and radiator leaks.

Phew!

Tyre pressure I can definitely do and I am ashamed to say I don’t think I’ve checked it since I bought the car a year ago. I should know better, because I learned some time ago that an under inflated tyre can increase your fuel consumption by over 5%.

Severe under inflation can reduce tyre life by 50% but if correctly inflated the average tyre could last 20% longer.

As it happens, I think my MOT is due soon, so I’ll be getting the car booked in for that and I WILL check my tyre pressure this week!

Look out for a post on greening up your driving coming soon as I’m sure I’ll find out lots about greening up my driving.

What about you – do you regularly service your car and check the filters and tyre pressure? I find this question is asked in carbon footprint calculators, so it’s good to know that giving our cars a little TLC helps reduce emissions as well as keeps us safer on the roads.