You have probably implemented quite a number of changes around your house and in your life to live a more eco-friendly life. However, you still drive an old-fashioned gasoline powered car (like I do) and perhaps feel guilty about it and maybe wonder what you can do to lessen the bad impact you have on the environment. The optimal solution would be buying a hybrid but unfortunately, not many can afford it… So what can be done to reduce the carbon footprint as far as cars are concerned?
There are a number of things one can do to make cars more fuel efficient (therefore greener) and save some money at the same time:
- Go back to the old ways—carpooling and using public transportation will not only save fuel but in many cases money as well. If you and one friend carpool, it will save about 50% of the fuel consumption. And it will definitely limit your own personal carbon emissions.
- Go slower—easing off the accelerator will use less fuel than going at higher speed. Top speed plays an important part as well; cars are the most efficient going at a moderate speed in their top gear, e.g. a five-speed transmission performs most efficiently in the 5th gear at 40-55 mph.
- Keep tires properly inflated—under or over-inflated tires can cause you miles in fuel economy. You can get the proper tire inflation ratio for your tires on your car’s doorjamb or owner’s manual.
- Keep the engine in good order—when the Check Engine light comes on, even though your car seems to be running just fine, it could mean a broken oxygen sensor or some other emission problem, which could cause several gallons of petrol wasted.
- Open windows to cool off—if you’re going no faster than 30-40 mph, that is, or when you starting your car and it’s hotter than the air outside. Once you get on a highway, where your speed increases dramatically, it’s actually better to close the windows and turn the AC on. Aerodynamics is more important for fuel efficiency at higher speeds.
- Give up the gas guzzlers—if you own more than one car, go for the one that uses less fuel to go the distance. Especially for your every day errands.
So try these few good tricks and feel less guilty about driving this old vehicle of yours… Until you’ll be able to afford the hybrid, that is…
