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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2010-04-08, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2010. JenkinsL.H. Limited TOWING, AUTO PARTS & REPAIR “Friendly Service & Reasonable Prices” 519-524-2181 Towing 519-524-2182 24 HOUR • Damage Free Towing • Flat Bed Towing • Local & Long Distance LARGE SELECTION OF NEW & USED PARTS FOR ALL MAKES & MODELS “Fuel tanks our specialty” CANADIAN TIRE AUTO CLUB National Auto League R & S ALIGNMENT SERVICE ALIGNMENT - SUSPENSION SERVICE & TIRES 519-357-1230 Hwy.86 West,R.R.3 Wingham,Ont.N0G 2W0 519-523-4356 Getting from A to B the green wayThe millions of the vehicles on theroad have a tremendous impact on the environment. Vehicle exhaust, fuel, and the fluids that are used in and drained from cars and trucks all impact the environment in their unique ways. There are ways to make “greener” choices regarding vehicle choice, maintenance, and driving habits, however. Here are some eco- friendly tips to consider. 1. Shop hybrid or clean diesel: If you are in the market for a new vehicle, choose a hybrid model, which will be less reliant on fuel, making it a smarter choice. Clean diesel vehicles burn fuel more efficiently and produce less waste at the tailpipe. So if hybrids aren’t your choice, a diesel may be another option. 2. Look for green materials: Many automakers are equipping vehicles with recycled components. There are also options to skip the leather interior in favor of plant-based materials that may offer a lower impact on the planet. 3. Clean-up at the car wash: Today’s commercial car wash outfits generally use recycled and filtered water to clean the bevy of cars that come through. When washing a car at home by hand, you may use more water than is required and flush detergents and soiled water into storm sewers, which filter out into waterways. Pulling up to the car wash is a greener choice.4. Recycle motor oil: Oil and lube establishments have contracts with disposal services to cart away used motor oil and other car fluids so they can be properly recycled or disposed of. If you’re doing an oil change at home, bottle up the used oil and take it to a facility that can recycle the oil. Also, automotive experts now say that vehicles can go longer between oil changes than the once recommended 3,000 miles. This will save on the amount of oil you need to purchase and the amount that needs to be recycled. 5. Smaller may be better: The mantra “bigger is better” doesn’t always apply. In terms of environmental impact, a smaller vehicle could be the better option. Smaller cars - ones with lighter curb weight and fewer cylinders, for example - will burn less fuel. Think about whether you need a seven- passenger vehicle with third-row seat or four-wheel drive. These options can add weight to a vehicle and increase fuel consumption. There are some manufacturers that recognize a driver’s desire for horsepower. Some engines are equipped to turn off cylinders when they are not needed, and simply fire them up when more power is desired. 6. Vary your route: Traffic doesn’t just get you aggravated, it can impact the environment, too. Stop- and-go traffic reduces fuel economyand puts more wear and tear on a vehicle. Use a GPSsystem to figure out alternative routes to and from work or school that will reduce stress and environmental impact. 7. Slow and steady: Aim for a constant speed while driving and stick to it. Just 10 miles over the speed limit can eat up fuel. Pumping the accelerator sends more fuel into the engine. Use cruise control whenever possible on the highway. 8. Close the windows: If you’ll be driving over 50 mph, close the windows. Driving with the windows open at highway speeds increases aerodynamic drag on the vehicle and lowers fuel economy. 9. Keep tires inflated: Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended psi. This improves fuel economy by reducing rolling resistance and friction. Also, make sure tires are properly aligned so that they don’t fight against one another on the road and waste fuel. 10. Lighten your load: Is your vehicle serving as an extra closet or storage unit? Excess weight could be costing you more at the pump. Take out extras you don't need from the trunk. ▼▼▼▼▼▼ Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7-5 Sat. 8-1 Supplier of quality parts for trucks, trailers & equipment ~ Light truck & car parts • Fully Licensed Truck & Trailer Mechanics • Truck, Trailer & Bus Safety Certifications • Light Truck & Passenger Car Repairs BLYTH 519-523-9681 1-800-276-4163 ▼▼ ▼▼▼▼ Service Manager Ian Hunter Parts Manager Bill Glousher Jack struts his stuff Jack Van Dorp of Jack’s General Repair checks the struts of a car during a spring tune-up. (Aislinn Bremner photo)