Green Auto | 10 Easy Tips for Greener Driving

10 Easy Tips for Greener Driving

As people are being made aware of the detrimental effects of living in excess has caused, they are becoming more and more focused on how we can be kinder to the environment. And with the rising, out of control prices of gasoline, your first thoughts may be how you can conserve gas, which ultimately (albeit inadvertently) leads to greener driving.

So if you are concerned about preserving your environment and reducing your gasoline consumption, take note of these 10 tips for greener driving.

Tip #1 – Buy Green Automobiles

Of course, the first thing that you can do to minimize your impact on the environment is to purchase a green automobile if you are in the market for a new car. There are several to choose from and most are hybrids that use either a combination of either gas and electricity or gas and biodiesel fuels to power your automobile.

Tip #2 – Avoid Sudden Starts and Stops

If you are an overly aggressive driver, the time to modify your behavior is now. Avoid sudden starts and stops. This wastes both gas and increases pollution in the atmosphere. Try to anticipate your stops and coast to a halt. Both your automobile and the atmosphere will thank you.

Tip #3 – Slow Down

By slowing down, you are conserving gas. Did you know that you burn ten percent more gas by going 75 MPH instead of 65 MPH on the Interstate? By choosing to follow the speed limit, you will have to fill up and less often while also avoiding speeding tickets. Setting the cruise control on lengthy trips helps.

Tip #4 – Unload Your Cargo

Honestly, the trunks of some cars resemble a storage closet. Do you REALLY need all that stuff every day? Taking the time to unload unnecessary cargo reduces your fuel consumption.

Tip #5 – Plan Ahead and Combine Trips

If you know that you need to take your kids to soccer practice and stop by the supermarket (which is on the route), try consolidating these two trips into one. Less mileage equals less fuel consumption and less harmful emissions to the environment.

Tip #6 – Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

Be sure to keep the tires on your car or truck properly inflated to the pressure indicated by your automobile’s owner manual this information may also be printed inside your door panel. Underinflated tires decrease fuel efficiency by 1 percent for every 3 pounds under the recommended pressure. Underinflation also causes unnecessary wear and tear on your automobile.

Tip #7 – Get Regular Oil Changes

Changing your oil regularly improves your fuel economy and also helps your vehicle last longer. Also, using recycled oil helps the environment, so ask your service station if they provide it.

Tip #8 – Get Regular Tune-ups

Getting regular tune-ups will not only make your car run better, but it will also improve your fuel economy. You should also check your air filter and transmission fluids levels and replace as necessary.

Tip #9 – Park in the Shade and Open the Windows

On those unbearably hot days, park in the shade. If there is no shade, use a car/windshield shade to keep the temperature in your car from becoming excessively hot. You should also open the windows to dissipate some of the heat before turning on the air conditioner.

Tip #10 – Newer Cars Do Not Need to Warm Up

Contrary to popular belief, newer model cars do not need to warm up before driving. Plus, since they have automatic chokes, there is no need to step on the accelerator before cranking.

Following these ten tips will help you to save money as well as conserve the environment. There are many little things you can do to become a greener driver, but the important thing is to just get started by following these ten tips.

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