Imagine living in an eco-friendly world. Every person drives around hybrid and electric cars, with their power source coming from renewable energy sources. But this isn’t the case in the real world. While everyone wants to have their own eco-friendly cars with a lesser carbon footprint, not all drivers can have one. It is costly, and not all drivers are ready to switch over to battery-powered cars.
The good news is, there are plenty of ways to reduce the carbon footprint of your vehicle. All it takes is a little creativity and effort. It may surprise you that most of these things don’t require spending thousands of dollars. So if you want to ‘green up’ your car, here are some ways to make your vehicle more eco-friendly.
Proper maintenance
A well-maintained vehicle is an environmentally friendly vehicle. If your car has been keeping up with its regular maintenance schedule, you are already doing your part. Giving your car some TLC makes a big difference in reducing carbon emissions. A smooth-running engine will save you money on fuel economy and ensure its reliability and longevity.
For example, if you own an old Subaru unit, consult a mechanic for routine upkeep that includes a diagnosis of the timing belt. Checking a Subaru timing belt is a vital part of its engine operation. If it breaks down, the entire system will fail. Having it checked can increase gas mileage, improve acceleration, and prevent unexpected costly repairs.
A typical tune-up plays a big role in enhancing gas consumption. According to Ecowatch, engine tune-up can improve gas mileage by four percent. Using the right oil for your car saves two percent, while changing a dirty filter can enhance engine efficiency by 10%. But if you are replacing a faulty oxygen sensor, you save up 40% by simply replacing it.
There are plenty of ways to tune up your car. These include checking engine timing, ignition systems, emissions systems, fuel, air filter, and onboard computer control system. Oil changes are also a smart way to boost fuel economy. Keep in mind that oil can be vicious through time and repeated use, making it tough for the engine to function. A fresh lubrication can help your car operate smoothly.
A/C usage
Did you know that air conditioning is one of the primary contributors to global warming? A/Cs use a huge amount of a car’s energy to operate, so don’t be surprised if your car has a high fuel consumption or a faulty electrical system.
While it is hard to resist ice-cold air during the summer, misusing the car A/C will not only damage your car but the environment as well. While it takes extreme willpower to minimize its use, just think about the many benefits you will reap from it. Instead of cranking up the A/C, why not let nature cool you down? Roll down the windows and sunroof to let the natural air come in. But if you really can’t stand the heat, make sure the refrigerants and system pressure are at the right level.
While many argue that rolled-down windows increase the aerodynamic drag that will make the car less efficient, you can still turn the A/C every half hour or use the re-circulation button. Doing this will help cool down the car using the air that is already present inside the vehicle.
Also, if you are going to park the car, make sure that you will leave it in a cool shade. If there is no shade around, using a reflective windshield shade will keep the car cool. But before turning on the ignition, avoid turning on the A/C at the same time. Instead, roll down the windows to release the hot interior air.
Properly inflated tires
Sadly, plenty of drivers have a habit of not checking the tire pressure. Under-inflated tires contribute to poor fuel economy. In a report by the U.S. Department of Energy, gas mileage reduces by 0.2% for every single PSI drop in pressure.
Fully inflated tires contribute to the efficiency of an engine. Failure to provide regular tire upkeep will force your engine to work harder to operate. Another factor is the weather, as cold temperatures can significantly lower the tire pressure. As a result, the car will use up more fuel, leading to high fuel costs. Maintaining the right tire pressure is one of the simple things you can do to enhance fuel economy.
Whether you have an old or new vehicle, there are plenty of ways to make it eco-friendly. The suggestions listed here are just some simple ways to maintain the upkeep of your vehicle that yields bigger returns for your car and environment.