HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2009-10-22, Page 13The millions of the vehicles on the
road 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 economy and
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.
A few easy tips will have you
driving greener instantly.
THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2009. PAGE 13.
Green, green
In addition to alternative driving habits, shopping for a
hybrid car is another way for motorists to keep driving while
reducing their negative impact on the environment. (MS photo)
Some tips to help you on the road to driving greenFall On The Road
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