10 Easy Ways to Drive Green
October 23rd, 2009 Posted in News / General Information | 1 Comment »If you really want to “Go Green” and lower your environmental impact, you can start by making some greener choices. What and how we drive AND how we maintain our vehicles can all affect our surroundings. Many of us aren’t able to buy a new hybrid vehicle, but by following a few of the easy green choices listed below, you can lessen your ecological impact.
1. Buy small
Your choice of vehicle makes a difference for the environment, and buying a small car is one of the best ways to reduce your car’s ecological impact. Additionally, options like third-row seats add weight to your vehicle and increase fuel consumption. Most of today’s subcompacts aren’t the uncomfortable and claustrophobic rides they used to be. For example, the Nissan Versa Hatchback is one of the most fuel-efficient small cars on the road and affords more than ample room in the front and back seats for family, groceries or camping gear.
2. Avoid larger engines
By passing on the engine upgrade, you can save money upfront, as well as on fuel down the road. Options like 4-wheel drive add weight to your vehicle and increase fuel consumption. Skip these options if you don’t need them. Test drive smaller engines and you may find that there is more than enough power.
Although many of us require a larger vehicle, you may be surprised to find that you still have cleaner choices. The better the fuel economy the more money you’ll save at the pump, while also reducing our dependence on oil.
3. Consider a more fuel efficient vehicle
The better gas mileage a vehicle gets, the less fuel it burns. Less fuel burned means less carbon dioxide, fewer natural resources used, and less pollution from the extraction and processing of fuel. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy publish an annual Fuel Economy Guide, available at www.fueleconomy.gov, to assist you in selecting a more fuel efficient vehicle. Manual transmissions also have been found to yield better gas mileage, averaging a savings of about 10% in fuel economy.
4. Consider a Hybrid or Clean Diesel
You can lower your fuel expense and reduce emissions with hybrids such as the all-new 2010 Toyota Prius, which the EPA expects to return 51/48 mpg. New technology has also enabled diesel-fueled vehicles to get better gas mileage and be just as clean as ordinary vehicles.
5. Maintain your vehicle
Be responsible about using and caring for your vehicle and it will reward you with better fuel efficiency, less pollution, and a longer lifespan. For instance, a clogged air filter can reduce fuel economy significantly. Additionally, ignoring your check-engine light is not only unsafe, you can cause further damage to your vehicle and/or void any warranty or service contract covering your vehicle. The check-engine light is your car’s early warning system that something is not right with your vehicle. It could be something simple like a loose gas cap or spark plug wire, or it can be something more serious. Don’t put it off, take your car in immediately and have it checked out by a technician.
6. Check your tires
You can choose tires that provide less rolling resistance than standard tires, equating to approximately 4% better fuel economy. No matter what tire you choose, underinflated tires can result in increased tire wear and reduced fuel economy. They also adversely affect handling, increase stopping distances and amplify the chance of tire failure, increasing your risk of an accident.
7. Drive fewer miles
According to the EPA, vehicles make up almost 1/3 of smog-forming emissions nationally, and because Americans are driving more every year, vehicles continue to be a significant contributor to air pollution. To minimize your environmental impact, combine activities into one trip, carpool, take public transportation, bicycle, walk, or find a better route to work, school, or the places you frequent most – heavy traffic will eat up your fuel – and your time.
8. Drive wisely
- Be aware of your speed – obeying speed limits can save fuel, as well as prevent pollution.
- Avoid rapid accelerations and braking, which burn more fuel.
- Use cruise control and overdrive gears.
- Remove excess weight from your trunk, and roof or bicycle racks if you aren’t using them.
9. Emit less
According to the EPA, tailpipe emissions from vehicles account for almost 1/3 of the air pollution in the U.S. You can visit the EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide to see air pollution and greenhouse gas scores for any vehicle.
10. Be careful when filling up at the tank
Topping off your tank beyond the automatic shut-off point causes fuel spills and emits more toxic fumes into the air, harmful to both you and the environment. In sweltering weather it’s best to refuel early in the morning or late in the evening when less fumes evaporate.





