The world is shifting toward more environmentally friendly living, and vehicles are no exception. However, not everyone wants to give up his or her vehicle for a smart or small fuel-efficient car. Lucky for you, there are other options to lower your vehicles environmental impact without having to purchase a new car. Not only will Mother Nature thank you, but your wallet will as well!
At Home Care
There is a lot you can do to reduce your emissions before you even hit the road. The easiest thing you can do is keep up with your tire maintenance. Low tire pressure and bad alignment increases the drag the engine has to overcome, causing your fuel efficiency to drop. By checking your tire pressure monthly and getting routine wheel alignment, your fuel economy will increase.
Cargo weight, especially in trucks, is another factor you want to pay attention to. Make sure you minimize the amount of unnecessary weight you are carrying around. For every 100 pounds added to your weight, your fuel economy decreases 1 to 2 percent. It may not sound like much, but over time it adds up.
This may be a given, but keeping your vehicle on schedule with maintenance is also important. Easy things like getting your oil and air filters changed and replacing your sparkplugs are key to improving fuel economy. Not only will doing so reduce emissions, but it will also result in a longer lasting, better performing vehicle.
On the Road
You may not want to hear this, but driving conservatively can decrease your environmental impact. Driving fast and taking off quickly require a larger amount of gas emission. By reducing your speed from 75 to 65 and making gradual starts and stops, you could cut your fuel use up to 20 percent. If that isnt motivation, I dont know what is!
On the opposite side of being a speed demon, idling is also a gas-guzzler. If you sit in idle for over a minute, it is more fuel efficient to turn your car off and on again than to continue to sit in idle. When you do park your car, it is suggested that you reside in the shade whenever possible. Not only does the shade preserve the look of your car, but it also keeps the summer sun from evaporating as much fuel.
While these tips may sound simple and ineffective, a combination of any or all of them can result in significant fuel emission reduction. Even if you drive a four-wheel drive truck, a little effort can make your vehicle more environmentally friendly. Even if you dont have the money or desire for an eco-friendly vehicle, a little work and dedication can make even the worst gas guzzlers more environmentally conscious.
Written by Marc LaFerriere at Dents Unlimited & Toalson Glass. Marc and his expert staff are one of the leading auto repair shops Columbia, MO has to offer. Their great service and attention to detail is what helps them stand out.
