In a perfect, environmentally-friendly world, everyone would be driving around in electric cars, where the electricity generating those cars came from a renewable energy source. A girl can dream, right? But, what happens when this is not your reality? Make the best of the situation and keep driving. However, there are different ways to lessen your environmental impact while driving a gas or diesel powered car.
Many companies are working to offer automobile services and products while keeping the planet in mind. Have you switched to a green battery? Are you using recycled oil? These are a just a few ways to reduce your car print. Did you know that CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) offers a Green Power Battery? And they encourages their members to reduce their overall environmental footprint by providing suggestions for drivers who want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Sounds pretty nice. I like when companies make an effort to educate and support people on their green journeys.
By following these tips, you will be on your way to greening up your car.
7 Ways to Green Your Car
- Remove extra weight – Try to remove that excess weight, such as roof racks not in use, and items from the trunk. All these unnecessary items, weigh the vehicle down, creating low efficiency, and subsequently create more emissions. S0, start cleaning out your car and driving a little lighter.
- Check your tires – Keep tires properly inflated at the correct tire pressure and rotate your tires every 3,000 to 6,000 miles (5,000 to 10,000 km).
- Switch to a recycled and re-refined oil – Re-refined oil is better for the environment because it conserves valuable, non-renewable resources; it is recycled and twice refined, using up to 85% less energy to produce than conventional oil; exceeds the highest North American standards for motor oil performance. Just a small change, with a big impact!
- Use cruise control – When using cruise control, you are reducing your gasoline intake and maximizing your mileage, especially when you are driving on a highway. This helps you maintain a constant speed.
- Drive at a moderate speed and avoid aggressive starts and stops – Your car consumes more fuel when have a heavy foot and accelerate quickly and suddenly stop. By accelerating and stopping gradually, you will drive more miles between fill-ups.
- Avoid idling – Idling can use a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour, depending on engine size and air conditioner usage. Turn off your engine when your vehicle is parked. It only takes a few seconds to restart your vehicle again.
- Use a green battery – An automotive battery contains approximately 9.5 kg of lead, 1.4 kg of plastic and 3.8 litres of sulphuric acid. Ugh. Makes me want to stop driving. When said battery is recycled, at least 97% of these elements can be reclaimed and reused to help safely protect our environment.
By implementing all of these tricks and tips, you will be on your way to driving a little more green. The environment will thank you!
How will you green your driving experience?
This article is sponsored by CAA.