The Green Movement is not only becoming a huge trend, but a preferred way of living for many people. Going green requires many significant life changes, and it doesn`t just happen overnight. This is one of the main reasons why so many people are hesitant about going green. Fortunately, one of the easiest places to start is with your car! This is because it`s one of the biggest sources of carbon emissions. Here are four ways that you can make your car more environmentally friendly.
#1: Buy an Electric Vehicle (EV) or a Hybrid
Electric Car
Buying an EV is the most environmentally friendly option when it comes to cars. As mentioned above, gas-powered cars release a lot of carbon dioxide (CO2), whereas EVs release no CO2. Tesla is the most well-known automobile maker of EVs, but EVs are also made and sold by:
- BMW
- Chevrolet
- Ford
- Kia
- Nissan
- Volkswagen
Hybrid Car
Switching to an EV is going to be very different if all you`ve ever driven is a gas-powered car. This is why some people choose to switch to a hybrid before switching to an EV. Although hybrid cars still use gas, they use much less gas than gas-powered cars. If you`re trying to go green but are weary about buying an EV, try switching to a hybrid car first.
Gas Car
Not everyone wants to switch to an EV or even a hybrid car, and are perfectly satisfied with their gas cars. The good news is that gas-powered cars don`t emit as much CO2 as they did 20 years ago, but there are still ways to reduce your CO2 emissions even further:
- Don`t blast the AC, use a moderate setting instead
- Don`t leave the engine running too long
- Don`t overfill your gas tank
- Practice safe driving habits, including maintaining a steady speed and reducing unnecessary braking
#2: Invest in Your Tires
Fuel-efficient tires are another way to reduce your CO2 emissions if you drive a gas-powered or hybrid car. These types of tires roll easier, creating less friction, and less friction means that your car uses less energy to move. This would also be a good option for EVs since they still require energy (electricity) to move.
With that being said, well-inflated tires can also increase your gas (or electric battery) mileage. Checking your tire pressure every month— especially when the weather changes— can also make your tires last longer and your car much safer to drive. Taking care of your tires is a regular part of car maintenance that all drivers should be doing, regardless of the type of car they drive.
#3: Preventative Maintenance is Key
Speaking of regular car maintenance, getting routine preventative maintenance on your car is another great way to help reduce your carbon emissions. If you`re skipping out on certain maintenance procedures, then you`re reducing your car`s ability to run efficiently— which then results in it working harder and releasing more CO2 into the environment. Some examples of routine maintenance include changing/replacing:
- Air filters
- Fuel filters
- Oil
- Spark plugs
Most cars have a pretty similar maintenance schedule based on mileage, with minor variations depending on the type of car you have. For specific maintenance information on your car, you should check the owner`s manual.
#4: Visit an Eco-Friendly Car Wash
The typical car wash can use up to 45 gallons of water per wash, while washing your car yourself at home can use anywhere between 80 and 140 gallons per wash. Fortunately, there are eco-friendly car wash options available that know how to conserve and use less water— without sacrificing the cleanliness of your car.
Another option is the waterless car wash method, where you use a spray chemical that loosens the dirt and other debris on your car. However, to keep it eco-friendly, you must use an eco-friendly chemical spray to loosen the dirt off your car. Also, waterless car washes are best for a light buildup of debris versus a heavier buildup. The purpose of a waterless car wash is to maintain your car between washes— which can also help you use less water when thoroughly washing your car.
These are some of the simplest ways to start living a greener lifestyle— and they all start with how well you take care of your car. If you`re already taking good care of your car (no matter what type it is), then you`re already doing your part by reducing your carbon footprint.