How to Keep Green with Your Car

 

WASHINGTON - FEBRUARY 3:  Electric, alternativ... 

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There are several ways to stay green and still drive your vehicle on a daily basis. This primarily involves changing a few basic behaviors that can bring savings and better health for the environment.

The first behavior that you can alter is your driving habits. Reduce your driving speed to be five to ten miles an hour under the speed limit. The slower you drive, the less fuel your car will use. It will also help to lower the wear and tear on you car that comes from driving harder and faster. You can save gas by doing as much as you can in one trip. Plan out what errands you have to do and then do them all at once. Gas is wasted by constant going back and forth to town.

When your car runs efficiently, it uses gas less and emits less pollution into the air. You should give your car regular tune-ups and change the oil at least every 3,000 miles. This helps your car to stay in top running condition and gets you the most for your dollar. If you are considering a new vehicle, try to purchase one that uses alternative fuel sources or is a hybrid. These are extremely efficient with gas and emit few pollutants into the air.

When at all possible, consider carpooling with others to work. Instead of having two to four cars on the road, you now have only one. You can take turns with others giving rides to work each day, saving you and the environment.

A Maintained Car Is a Greener Car

Example of an air filter that has been around ...

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Not everyone can afford one of the new hybrids that the major car companies are selling, so the rest of us have to do our part to prevent global warning by taking care of the cars we do own. A maintained car is a greener car. It’s just that simple. Not only does a well maintained vehicle run better and last longer, but it gets better gas mileage. We all know that fossil fuels are a culprit in the warming of the earth. Here are a few tips to keep your car greener.

Regular Oil Changes - This is so simple and inexpensive. Make sure you get that oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. It keeps the engine parts running more smoothly, so the car doesn’t have to use as much gas to go.

Regular Tire Rotation - Good tires get better gas mileage. By rotating them with each oil change, you’ll be insuring that they wear evenly, and that they are kept properly inflated. This means they’ll last longer, and save you money, too.  Remember. Tires are made of petroleum products. Reduce the production by taking care of the ones you have on your car.

Minor Tune-ups - There are a few things you can do that are simple and inexpensive, and they’ll keep your car in better condition. Change the fuel filter regularly. Today’s gas can get dirty junk in the engine, and it’s the filter that catches that junk. Make sure it stays unclogged. Change the air filter, too. Good air flow means good gas mileage.

Finally, if you don’t have to drive then don’t. Use your legs whenever you can.