Automotive Blog

Since yesterday was Earth Day, let’s look at some ways to green up your driving experience other than buying a hybrid.

How You Drive

• Keep it smooth. Rough starts and stops and faster speeds burn gas.
• Take a minute to think about where you need to go and how you can get there by the most direct route. Can you combine errands into one trip?
• Carpool - and that means more than just getting to work. If you and your friends are going to the movie, can you take one car? (Don’t wait for someone at work to put together a car pool. Do it yourself.)
• Would your boss be open to your telecommuting? Even once a week?
• Bust out of your comfort zone. Walk, bike, or — horrors — catch a bus or train. (We realize public transportation isn’t safe in all cities. The environment doesn’t expect you to risk a mugging.)
• For short neighborhood errands is an electric scooter or bike an option? (It could be fun you know.)
• Park in the shade or use a windshield shade to keep the termperature down and lessen the need to run the AC.

How You Buy

• Look for the lowest mile per gallon rating you can find on any car regardless of the technology driving the vehicle. (Seems obvious, but some people really do forget to ask.)
• Really think before you buy that SUV. Do you need it or do you just want it? The days of buying for status really are coming to a rapid end.
• Consider biodiesel which will run in any diesel engine with only minor engine modifications. (And of course there are other alternative fuels. Look for an upcoming post on the current options.)

How You Maintain

• Lest you forget, your car is a machine. Machines work more efficiently when they are clean and well-tuned.
• Keep your tires at the correct inflation level.
• Change the oil regularly.
• Change the air filters.
• Have your spark plugs checked.
• Minimize the weight you’re carrying around. Do you really need your golf clubs in the trunk in January?

Most experts agree that any effort to live green is about paying attention. Steps that may seem like inconveniences can quickly become habits with just a little effort. Afterall, isn’t the future of the world worth an old dog learning a new trick or two?

Posted on April 23rd, 2007 by Shorty
Filed under: general |

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