31 May, 2007
BY OUR AUTOMOBILE CORRESPONDENT
Drivers who avoid unnecessary short
trips in cars cut their fuel costs as
well as contribute to protecting the
environment at the same time,
according to experts.
Experts from VCD motoring association
in Berlin, Germany, say that more than
half of the car journeys made in
Germany – which are typical of western
European countries with a high level
of car ownership – are shorter than 6
kilometres (3.7 miles). And, 5% of
trips made are of less than one
kilometre.
Fuel efficiency is at its poorest
during such short trips, the VCD
points out, since the vehicle’s engine
has not reached its optimal operating
temperature. In addition, catalytic
converters, which are designed to cut
emissions, do not operate properly
until the car has covered a longer
distance.
According to VCD spokesman
Hermann-Josef Vogt, car fuel
consumption is certainly at its
highest during the short trips since
the car’s engine is not warmed up.
By walking, cycling or switching to
public transport for short trips,
motorists can save a quarter of a
kilogram of greenhouse gas emissions
per kilometre.
One way of checking whether short car
journeys are really necessary is to
keep a record of the frequency and
distance covered during such short
trips, the Bavarian-based
environmental organisation Bund
Naturschutz in Regensburg recommends.
After a few weeks, it becomes clear
whether it is better to shun the car
and either walk or ride a bike.
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