8 Secrets of Environmentally-Friendly Car Maintenance
There are a lot of ways you can go green. Recycling newspapers, plastic, and glass are all fairly simple ways. But short of only driving hybrids, how can you maintain your vehicle in an earth-friendly way?
It’s totally possible – even without trading in your SUV for a Prius. The more efficiently your car runs, the better it is for the environment. Here’s what you can do.
1. Replace clogged air filters
When the filter is full of dirt, grime, bugs, and all manner of yuck, the engine loses power and your car’s acceleration and overall performance suffer.
2. Clean or replace spark plugs
When your spark plugs are dirty, it causes your engine to misfire and you waste fuel. You should have them inspected on a yearly basis and have them replaced according to the recommendations of your vehicle owner’s manual.
3. Check cooling system
If there’s an issue with your vehicle’s cooling system, the engine will run too cold, lowering the fuel-efficiency.
Have your trusted mechanic inspect your cooling system periodically to reduce harmful emissions and protect your engine.
4. Maintain fuel system
Save money at the gas pump by having your fuel filter replaced and having your fuel injectors flushed according to your owner’s manual.
5. Have emissions system tested
This is another system that should be inspected annually to keep your passengers and the environment safe. The system controls emissions, exhaust, and pollutants.
6. Check your tires
You may be surprised to find out that your car’s tire pressure can have a significant Effect on your gas mileage? If your tires aren’t inflated properly, more of the tire touches the road, causing resistance, which ultimately makes your engine work harder.
You can find the specific tire pressure for your vehicle in your owner’s manual or on the edge of your car door.
7. Check gas cap
A damaged (or missing) gas cap lets gas escape from your gas tank in the form of a vapor. Obviously, this will waste your fuel and increase emissions.
This is the simplest fix – get a new cap! Save at the pump AND reduce greenhouse gas.
8. Use cruise control
Have you ever thought about the effect that speeding up and slowing down have on your fuel efficiency? It’s not good.
Since using your cruise control helps you maintain a constant speed, you’re reducing your fuel consumption. Use it on road trips, BUT only if they’re dry. Never use cruise control on wet roads.
Get help going green
Follow these tips to make sure your vehicle is running as efficiently as possible so you’re leaving as light of a footprint on the environment as possible.
Check in with the skilled auto technicians at your local Conrad’s for help!
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