Virily Editor
In today’s day and age, car owners are more eco-conscious than ever. That being said, what can you do to reduce your carbon footprint if you are not already driving an electric car or a hybrid? There are quite a few steps you can take to make your driving greener.
All Truck and Car, a pick-and-pull in Salt Lake City, promotes the use of higher efficiency used parts. Rather than contributing to the riptide of automotive waste, opting for used parts allows drivers to save a pretty penny while safeguarding the planet from undue damage. In addition to making the switch to used auto parts, there are plenty of ways you can transform your vehicle from gas guzzler to green machine.
Use your logic and limit your trips
If you plan on running many errands or making short trips, consider doing them all in one day. This way, your car will be warm, which will generate fewer fumes. Also, watch your inactivity; for example, don’t start your car to let it warm up for long periods, unless you’re coping with a seriously cold climate.
Put your car in neutral
Idling wastes a lot of gas and releases more fumes. A good way to avoid this is to map your trip, aiming for the right turns only if possible. This will stop those lengthy waits at stoplights.
Don’t speed
To be honest, this one might be tough for those with a lead foot. But, consider the fact that speeding uses a lot more gas, and braking does as well. Avoiding quick starts and stops will also help save you money at the gas station.
Using cruise control on the highways will also help maintain a proper speed. Using overdrive gears to lower your speed and save on gas and wear.
Avoid driving (if you can)
Though becoming an Uber driver is a real career choice these days, driving less can help you be more eco-conscious. Telecommuting is an option in most jobs, too, especially today.
If that’s not an option for you, you still have several options to keep green. Here are some suggestions to help decrease gas costs and emissions.
- Consider group transit
- Carpool
- Short distance? Walk or bike
If you can’t stay home and the options above don’t apply to you, try to avoid driving during rush hours. Also, if you have more than one car, drive the more efficient one.
Keep up with maintenance and service
While you should be doing this anyway, making sure your car is running well will also help with your carbon footprint. Consult your manual to make sure you are correctly following the maintenance schedule for those listed below:
- Replace your air filter. This increases gas mileage up to 10%
- Check the air in your tires and increase gas mileage by 3%
- Make sure you use the right engine oil, increase your gas mileage 1-2%
- Tune your engine and get 4% better gas mileage
- Make sure your oxygen sensor is replaced when needed and increase your gas mileage up to 40%
Lighten up
Adding more weight to your car will reduce your gas mileage. If you don’t have to have that roof rack on your car, don’t. Putting heavy items in the back of your car is a better way to save on gas.
Looking for a new car?
This one is pretty easy. First, consider an electric car or at least a hybrid. If that’s not in your plans, do your research to find a fuel-efficient make and model.
There are many ways to green up your current or future car. The suggestions above are all pretty much common sense but will make for a better environment to boot!
