| When we think of “driving green” we think that means we have to buy and drive an electric car or maybe a hybrid. While that’s a great way to help protect our environment it may not be practical for most of us. But there are many little things we can do that will help save fuel and improve air quality.
Drive more gently. What do I mean by this? Try to accelerate smoothly. Quick starts or gunning the engine wastes fuel and may cause unburned gas to escape from the exhaust pipe into the atmosphere. Think ahead. Try to anticipate stops and let your vehicle coast down as much as possible. Avoid the increased pollution, wasted gas, and wear on your brakes created by accelerating hard and braking hard.
Don’t pump the accelerator when starting your car. Unlike many older cars and trucks, modern vehicles don’t need to warm up and they have automatic chokes, so you don’t need to step on the gas pedal before starting the engine.
In this day and age we not only want to conserve fuel but also want to use our time wisely. So plan and consolidate your trips. Try to anticipate your errands and plan to knock them all out in one day, if not one stop. Plan your route when you are running errands so you avoid heavy traffic times and areas. The most direct route may not be the best route for fuel consumption.
Follow the speed limit! (You know who you are!) Driving 75 mph instead of 65 mph will lower your fuel economy by about 10 percent and can dramatically increase tailpipe emissions in many vehicles.
Lighten your load. The more weight a car carries, the lower its fuel economy will be. On road trips, while it’s tempting to pack everything you might, possibly, perhaps, maybe need, including the kitchen sink, it’s smart to leave heavy unnecessary items behind. Keep your car interior cleaned out. Don’t use your trunk to store your golf clubs and the kids’ softball equipment.
Keep your tires properly inflated. Maintaining proper tire inflation levels can improve fuel economy. Tires lose pressure over time and in cold temperature. As that air pressure decreases, rolling resistance increases, making your vehicle less fuel efficient.
Did you know that there is such a thing as a “low-rolling-resistance (LRR) tire? Switching to a typical set of replacement tires lowers a vehicle’s fuel economy as much as 4 percent. LRR tires, on the other hand, are specially designed to improve a vehicle’s fuel economy. Most major tire manufacturers now produce LRR models, so when it comes time to replace your tires, seek out a set of LRRs.
Don’t be idle too long. Don’t waste fuel by sitting in that drive-thru lane. Park and go inside. If you’re waiting for your kids after school, turn the engine off until the kids climb in the car. Idling uses more fuel than turning the engine off, waiting for your youngsters and then restarting the ngine.
When you are considering the purchase of a new vehicle, really consider how much car you really need. Don’t buy a really large vehicle just because you might need that size payload once in a while. Buy the vehicle that meets most of your day-to-day needs and rent or borrow a vehicle for those times you need a larger vehicle.
By being aware of your driving style and maintaining your car, you can save fuel, which is good for your wallet and good for the environment. A win-win situation!
|
