Drive Smarter and Save the Planet!
Posted on July 9, 2010
Filed Under Fuel Economy
As a fellow driver, it can be incredibly frustrating to see people so blatantly contributing to our world’s pollution level. The compact cars at Hyundai Chicago make great little commuter cars, are inexpensive, and very fuel efficient and economical to drive. Some of the diesel engine compacts at Peoria VW still give drivers who need that turbocharged power driving experience the best of both worlds; powerful engine and clean fuel efficiency. My kudos go out to those people who take out KSMO used car loans so that they can make monthly payments on a hybrid vehicle. For the rest of us out there, there are things you can do to help the environment. These things are pretty simple, and over time, they will become second nature to you.
The first thing drivers must do is maintain their vehicle. Regular oil changes and tune-ups will help you car be a better oiled, well running machine. Plus, it will help your car last longer, which is long-term conservation! The biggest fuel drain and air pollution contributor is unnecessary idling. If you think you will be sitting for at least 30 seconds, turn off the engine! When you and your friends stop for lunch, park and go inside. Waiting in those long lines with your car running is wasting your gas (when you idle, you get 0 mpg) and the whole line of cars is making lots of air pollution. The same goes for any drive thru service; prescriptions, banks, Starbucks, etc.
When you stop for gas, don’t top off the tank! All you are doing is releasing extra gas fumes into the environment and you are likely to spill some gas at the same time. If you are a commuter, consider car pooling! Think of all the money you and your fellow car poolers can save. Plus, the thing that kills your gas mileage is stop-and-go traffic driving; i.e.; the morning commute! If four people could share a ride, that makes for 75% less vehicles on the road, 75% less emissions, and probably no traffic jams!
The last two things we can do to reduce pollution from our cars is to use our air conditioning less and not letting your car warm-up during the winter months. Newer, more modern vehicles actually warm-up better while they are being driven. Air conditioning makes your engine work harder, thus using more fuel and making more emissions. Try to park in the shade and use the windshield shade to help when parked.
People who looked at this item also looked at…
Related items
Comments
One Response to “Drive Smarter and Save the Planet!”
Leave a Reply
Of course there is the all electric option. The Nissan Leaf will help to end our over-reliance on imported fossil fuels. Under the hood there is no starter, alternator, or spark plugs… and no engine. The Nissan Leaf is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack instead of an internal combustion engine, and the cost to charge the pack is cheaper than a tank of gasoline, and has zero emissions.http://directoryofkauai.net/blog/nissan-leaf