Going Green with Sensible Driving Practices
By Brett Kihlmire
Some rights reserved by futureatlas.com
For a 21st century American going without a car is a real challenge, especially if you are a suburbanite or country dweller. Gas prices are astounding, fuel emissions are poisoning the atmosphere and car repairs cripple our bank accounts every so often. Some wonder if going green is even worthwhile while living with a forced reliance on an automobile. Simply put, going green in other aspects of your life will surely counteract the damage done by your vehicle’s emissions, and if you’re unable to live without a vehicle there are ways to minimize your vehicles’ carbon footprint.
Purchase a Vehicle with a Practical Purpose
Too many people buy a vehicle for materialistic reasons such as manufacturer prestige, status symbolism or simply because it looks cool. Some will go out and buy a pickup truck to appear more rugged and manly or an SUV to fit in with the suburban. On average, both types of vehicles are gas guzzlers that require large amounts of fuel at short intervals and aren’t being used for their intended purpose: hauling cargo and pulling trailers. For example, a 2014 Chevy Silverado gets 17 miles to the gallon while the 2014 Ford F150 gets an average 16 mpg. For the average driver who doesn’t use the truck for hauling and trailing, this is a poor choice in vehicle, for not only does it consume a lot of gas, it has higher than average emissions. A better choice is the 2014 Scion XD by Toyota, which averages at 29 mpg or a 2014 Honda Civic at 33 mpg.
Although owning a high emissions vehicle isn’t doing the environment a favor, there are ways to cut back on your vehicle’s carbon footprint:
Drive smarter, not harder – By driving smoothly, easing into a stop and not flooring the gas pedal during acceleration, your engine will burn less fuel than when racing past the speed limit. Driving below 60 miles per hour lessens the strain on your engine, allowing for the engine to burn gasoline more slowly. Studies have shown that driving at 70 mph or more burns more fuel than when driving at 60 or less.
Keep up on your maintenance – By regularly changing your oil and other essential fluids, you are not only ensuring a longer life span for your vehicle, you are ensuring cleaner emissions and less fuel use. Ensuring all of your sensors and filters are in working order will greatly increase your mpg.
Lay off the A/C – While a refreshing cool breeze of artificially cold air is inviting on those sweltering summer days, studies have shown that almost all A/C systems operate using Freon, a chemical proven damaging to the ozone layer. To save the ozone layer, think about rolling down the windows and cooling your car the old fashioned way before introducing more Freon into the air.
Be aware when filling your tank – When filling up your gas tank, be aware that topping off your tank is harmful to the environment. When topping off, harmful vapors are escaping into the air and contributing to the depletion of the ozone. When done filling up, make sure your gas cap is firmly secured. A loose gas cap can not only reduce your mileage, it can allow for harmful vapors to escape into the air.
Lighten your load and check your tires – Carrying excess weight in your vehicle causes your engine to work harder to propel itself, wasting fuel. Not having enough air in your tires wastes fuel as well, for the lower air pressure causes greater rolling resistance which forces your engine to work harder and creates for emissions.
References:
http://www.carcare.org/go-green/steps-to-a-greener-car/
http://www.treehugger.com/htgg/how-to-go-green-cars.html
http://www.cars.com/go/crp/buyingGuides/green/landing.jsp?channel=green
http://greenventuresconference.org/
http://business.time.com/2013/11/14/when-it-pays-to-go-green/
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/fuel-economy/ten-green-driving-tips.htm
http://www.chevrolet.com/silverado-1500-pickup-truck/specs/powertrain.html
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/34537.shtml
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSearch.do?action=noform&path=1&year1=2014&year2=2014&make=Scion&model=xD&srchtyp=ymm
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSearch.do?action=noform&path=1&year1=2014&year2=2014&make=Honda&model=Civic&srchtyp=ymm
http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/609/consumers/cons2.html