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Hi all,

During a little bit of pontificating this week I've been wondering, can you take steps to reduce your own CO2 g/km for the benefit of Road Tax Reduction?

The reason this came about is that I'm looking to buy a car, but it's CO2 is 169g/km. However the newer varient is of a lower output...
So in my simpleton mind I'm thinking, "Why not modify the engine to the same specification as a newer model, thus reducing the CO2 and then get it re-tested/certified! Saving the planet and my wallet?"

Google showed no results so either the world has not thought of this yet or I cannot use google!

<discuss>

You ask this in a forum infested with people who love fire breathing evil V8 and turbocharger-the-size-of-Sicily. What sort of answers do you expecting?


Serious : I really doubt you'd be able to get emission low enough without unbearable pöwer sacrificed.

Well depends on your country. In Germany it woudln't matter if your car does 1337g/km or 2g/km, they don't care on the taxes. Only Capacity and Emissionsrating are important here.
But i rather would like seeing some Economy-Optimization Tricks, like adding Stuff in your Oil or Tank or some different technical stuff.
Coolghost here is driving a 1.4D Polo 86c thats quite efficient. He knows some stuff too

Lol! Yep I know I'm stoking the flames with this thread, but where better to ask than a forum full of engine nuts!?

I was thinking more along the lines of converting your golf into a bluemotion and reaping tax benefits. Im sure it's possible, it wouldn't pay for itself within the first year or two though.

Okay, let see what you need for converting a normal Golf into a Bluemotion.

Gearbox, ratio is different.
Radiator grille.
Aerodynamic spoiler.
Lowered suspension, if you want it to ride like a VW, no cut spring.
Regenerative Braking System. (like KERS in F1)
Eco Tyres.
Unique cat and Diesel particulate filter (Peugeot call this FAP)
Stop start system.
Engine remapped.

You can calculate the cost.

Leave this one out of the list please.

As to the matter in hand;
The most efficient way to optimise your current engine would be with changing pistons, but as that is quite a time consuming upgrade you would rather convert your car to 5W30 full-synth oils if it isn't already running on it. While changing between oil types try to find a bigger oilfilter or one with a higher filtration rating.

Adding addictives to your engine oil generally improves it as some oil addictives like Slick 50 for example, it costs a bit but it's quite usefull as it reduces the internal friction of parts and makes your engine go better.

Also adding a little amount of 2-stroke oil into your fuel helps as it relubes the injectors and the fuelpump. while refilling fuel add about a 0,4L 2-stroke oil into the tank.
Drive drive drive until you need to refuel again, you should notice along the way a small kick-in as further friction is reduced from the engine.

Also before adding the oiladditive + changing oil: Drive your car to about 80-90 degrees temp and then drop out the oil. Swap oilfilter! Add only 95% of you oil capacity, the 5% is how much you should add addittives. Then drive carefully (no over revving and stuff) until you can hear that your engine is becoming more responsive (about 200-300Km?)

This treatment should result in a lower fuel consumption-> lower emissions->lower C02 and a better responsive, happier and longer lifespanned engine.

(Warning! If you're unsure about doing it and don't know what you're doing, don't do it. Ask a professional mechanic to perform the oil conversion and also check that your engine is rated to support thinner oils!)