Having your own car may be very convenient, but it comes to a greater price than petrol cost. Here you can learn about the impact of your vehicle on the environment, and pick up some green tips on travelling.

Most of the vehicles are running on fossil fuel, e.g. petrol, diesel or gas, which is non-renewable and will be exhausted eventually. Fuel combustion also emits carbon oxides and nitrogen oxides, which cause air pollution. These air pollutants are trapped by crowded tall buildings in the urban areas of Hong Kong, which worsen the roadside air quality. But all we have to do is change our habits to reduce fuel consumption.

Other than the model and price of your vehicle, several points should be aware of when buying, maintaining and fixing your vehicle.

Before You Buy a Vehicle

Environmental protection can begin when you are deciding how to travel.

• The first question to ask is: do you really need a car? The answer might be 'no' if you are surrounded by well-established public transportation system.
• Buy a car of right capacity – a single person doesn't need a large sized car with a large engine, but under certain circumstances a family might.
• Check the energy label of the car you are considering, or ask about its fuel consumption.
• An environment-friendly car is a wise choice – it can save you fuel cost and 30% on the First Registration Tax with a cap of HK$50,000 per car.
• If you do decide to buy a car, forming a car pool with your friends or colleagues will help to reduce the pollution that you cause as a group.

Vehicle Maintenance

Regular and proper maintenance of your vehicle can reduce exhaust emission and improve the environment. It can also extend the life span of your vehicle.

• Keep your car properly tuned: an inefficient car will use more fuel and emit more pollutant, which will harm the environment and cost you more money.
• Maintain correct tyre pressure by inspecting your tyres regularly and inflating them to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer.

While Driving

How you drive can affect the fuel consumption of your car, so adopting a few habits will save the environment and your money.

• Avoid sudden acceleration, because it increases fuel consumption.
• Switch off when idling.
• Close windows when travelling at high speed – this will decrease aerodynamic drag and lower fuel consumption.
• An unnecessarily heavy load or car fittings that create drag will result in fuel wastage and extra pollution.
• Only use air-conditioning when you have to – flow-through ventilation or open windows at lower speeds can be just as effective without the extra fuel consumption.

Finding Alternatives

A final way to help protect the environment is to look for alternatives.

• Planning your route ahead of time will help you find easier ways around traffic congestion – you will save time during your journey and reduce fuel consumption.
• Use public transportation as often as possible – the wide availability of trains, buses, minibuses and ferries in Hong Kong means that most areas can be reached without much expense.