Three quarters of greenhouse gas emissions are caused by road vehicles. And the average cost of owning a vehicle is £1,541 a year.

Which means that, for anyone concerned about the environment or the costs of running a car, a car-sharing club like Co Wheels is the perfect solution.

However, myths still abound about the reality of car-sharing – so let’s a take a look at the most common.

It works out expensive

At Co Wheels, we know that car-sharing won’t be suitable for everyone; yes, if you live in the middle of nowhere and need a car to get to work, to the shops, to school, it’s not going to be particularly cost-effective.

However, if you live within walking distance of all the amenities you need, yet keep a car for emergencies – the big shop, the day out – then car-sharing is definitely an option to consider.

Or maybe you’re a two-car household, with one vehicle for commuting and big trips and the other for spare? You could swap the spare for a share!

With Co Wheels, you can hire a car for as little as 30 minutes to as long as days at a time, only paying for the hire time and distance you drive.

And with prices starting at just £4.75 an hour, you can have access to a vehicle wherever and whenever you need it, without paying for it to sit on your drive for 23 hours a day.

Which brings us on to our next myth…

It’s not there when you need it

Many of us have become accustomed to having access to a car whenever we need it, unable to imagine not being able to pick up the keys and go.

But think about it. How many times do you really need immediate access to a car, with no notice? Hardly ever.

With the Co Wheels car-sharing club, we have hundreds of cars across the country based around our 45 locations, and you can drive away in as little as 15 minutes from booking.

It’s too much hassle

Again, we know that car-sharing is not quite as convenient as having access to a car. However, it’s probably worth us all being aware when we really need to use the car; if you have to book one, maybe you’ll rethink whether your journey is a) necessary or b) doable by walking or public transport.

And if you decide that your car journey is non-negotiable, then hiring a vehicle with Co Wheels club couldn’t be easier.

Simply register online, book your car through our app or online and use your smartcard to access the vehicle. At the end of your session, put the car back where you found it or return it to an approved parking zone.

Are there any limitations?

You mean apart from not forking out for insurance, servicing and MOTs?

The only things you can’t do with a Co Wheels car that you could with your own are:

• Smoke
• Take a pet
• Tow anything
• Leave the country
• Take part in a rally (sorry about that)

The Co Wheels car-sharing club is a community of like-minded individuals, all doing what they can to reduce their carbon footprints and save money – a win for the environment and your wallet.