By Josh Herval
We all know the best and easiest way to reduce the carbon footprint of your car is not to use it. But until they finally figure out how to transport human beings from place to place a la Star Trek, or hydrogen-powered vehicles become a practical reality, even the most fuel-efficient cars will still be burning fossil fuel, and we’ll still have to rely on them. Here are seven ways to make your car more eco-friendly while still getting to the places you need to be!
Service your car regularly.
Making sure your fuel system is working properly and your tires are inflated and balanced to manufacturers’ specifications can help you get the most bang for your fuel buck. Vehicles with low tires or fuel system problems expend more gas to drive and can wind up leaving you on the side of the road at the most inconvenient times!
Reduce loading and drag.
When you have to drive your car, make sure you don’t have anything you don’t absolutely need. This includes anything that isn’t a first aid kit or spare tire and associated repair and safety equipment. Many people throw things into the car meaning to take them out, but don’t…and that wastes fuel! Another huge fuel waster is loading a roof rack or trunk with things you may or may not use. Everything loaded into your car takes more fuel to move, reducing your fuel efficiency and increasing your footprint.
Don’t get exhausted.
Your car’s exhaust system is designed to reduce emissions, especially if it was built after around 1985. When the components of this system wear out, it can affect both your emissions and your fuel consumption. Have the exhaust and emissions checked regularly, especially items such as the catalytic converter, which reduces nitrous oxide emissions.
Practice eco-friendly driving.
Eco-friendly also means road-friendly in this case! Instead of gunning the engine off the light, increase speed slowly and brake the same way when possible. Avoid idling when not in traffic. Keep your speed at or below the posted limit, and preferably below 65 MPH. (If you drive over this, you’re spending more fuel fighting wind resistance, which decreases your gas mileage sharply.) Don’t use the air conditioner unnecessarily, because this is also a fuel-chomping monster! If you’re driving over 40, run it for a few minutes and then switch to the fan. This will allow the car to use the chilled air that’s already present in the vehicle.
Try a new shift.
Many people forget that shifting gears in a manual transmission can impact fuel economy too! Shifting at the wrong time or in the wrong circumstances can cost you one to two percent of your MPG rating. While this doesn’t sound like much, add it to your other daily driving habits and you could lose as much as 20% of your mileage just on your habits alone. Shift smoothly and only when the engine “tells” you to. (If you don’t know what this feels like, you should probably not be driving a manual.)
Check the oil.
Using the wrong type of oil can cost fuel efficiency. Make sure you read the manufacturer’s recommendations. Where possible, use synthetic or environmentally friendly motor oil in your engine. This can reduce wear and increase gas mileage while keeping your engine running great!
Leaving earlier and building in a greater time cushion can help you save fuel and stress during your commute or your daily round of errands. If you don’t feel stressed, rushed, or harried, you’re more likely to drive safely and in an eco-friendly manner, thereby saving not only fuel but your health!
Josh Herval is a keen blogger and motoring enthusiast. He writes on behalf of www.design911.com, experts in Porsche parts, spares and accessories.