9 Ways To ‘Green-Proof’ An Automobile

We all know that automobiles pollute our earth. There is plenty of literature about other means of transportation and deferring to them in effort to preserve our planet, but let’s face it, at some point everyone needs to use their own private vehicle. So when these moments arrive, it is important that we make sure these vehicles are as eco-friendly as possible. Here are a few ways to help save you money, while ‘green-proofing’ your vehicle at the same time:

1. Map out your trips. By doing so, it will allow you to plot out the most efficient route possible and sidestep heavy traffic, which means less idling and less stop-and-going which burns up your fuel.

2. Always carpool when possible, as it helps lower excess traffic and unnecessary vehicles on the road while saving you money if you can work it out that everyone splits the cost of gas. One easy way of doing this is to alternate what days a person will use their car for a regular event, then keep a steady rotation. Moreover, make sure you choose the most fuel car available for these trips.

3. Avoid idling and warming up your car. Plain and simple, by doing so it will preserve your gas money and save the earth from emissions at the same time. While most believe that warming up your car in cold weather is essential, it is not necessary with most of the newer cars.

4. Use Cruise control. On the highway whenever possible since it controls and steadies the gas pedal, in turn saving fuel. Moreover, when cruise control is not engaged try to avoid extreme accelerations and quick starts since they can allow gas to evade the exhaust pipe and head straight into the air. Instead, accelerate smoothly. It will eat up less gas, prolonging the dreadful next trip to the gas station.

5. Make sure your tires are properly filled, which helps preserve fuel and also increases tread life. Also, remove any unnecessary excess weight, as the greater weight will require more gas to power the car. Simple, yet effective.

6. Use fuel additives. These enhance gasoline's octane rating or act as a lubricator, resulting in increased efficiency. It is important to choose the right type of additive, though, as some are hazardous to the environment. The friendlier of the additives are usually the hybrid compound blends. Many of the catalysts in this category are friendlier than the ethers and alcohols. Also, use a good engine oil – a synthetic or one treated with a friction reducing additive – since they have been known to boost fuel economy.

7. When purchasing a vehicle, choose one which is fuel efficient. This may cost more initially, however it will save you money in the long run while saving our eco-system at the same time. Look at the different options and consider a hybrid, with gas prices being what they are, it’ll be worth the extra initial investment.

8. Stay tuned. Keeping your car tuned up will keep it running smoothly and avoid any leaks or unwanted emissions from spilling out into the atmosphere. A regular inspection will also help eliminate any major problems that may derive from a minor repair that needs to be made, which will cost far more than a tune-up.

9. Clean with green. When cleaning your car, rather than using heavy industrial cleaners, choose eco-friendly cleaning products

If it’s not enough motivation that these 9 simple steps will help save our eco-system by lowering the impact vehicles have on our planet, then remember it will also help keep your bank account healthy. Help go green and remember these points next time you need to use your vehicle.