Mommy Goes Green | Ecodriving – Maintenance Practices

Ecodriving – Maintenance Practices

May 19, 2009

Today’s automobile is a complex machine with more than 3,000 interactive parts. Regular maintenance can help your vehicle run longer, as well as reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Here are best practices for maintaining your vehicle for green driving:

Read the manual ( RTM! ). Your manual is customized for your model and engine and may have a specific section on fuel economy.
Use the Recommended Motor Oil. According the EPA, you can improve your fuel economy by 1-2% by using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil.
Schedule Periodic Tune-ups. Keep your vehicle running at peak performance. Typically, a tune up can improve gas mileage by 4%.
Replace Air Filters Regularly. On today’s automobiles, air flow sensors constantly monitor the amount of air ingested by the engine, and fuel is metered accordingly. An air filter that is clogged with dirt or debris can require more fuel to pump air through the filter. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing a clogged air filter can increase your mileage by 10%.
Check Your Tire Pressure Monthly. Tires can deflate naturally, by as much as 1.5 PSI (pounds per square inch) a month. Experts estimate that 25% of automobiles are running on tires with lower than recommended pressure. Fuel efficiency is reduced by 1% for every 3 PSI that tires are under-inflated. So, keeping your tires properly inflated translates into a free tank of gas a year and reduces CO2 emissions too.
Check the Weather, then Check Your Tires. Tire pressure changes an average of 1 PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit change in air temperature. So, a sudden cold snap or heat wave may mean it is time to check your tires. Properly inflated tires run cooler, last longer and improve fuel economy. The U.S. EPA estimates that gas mileage can improve by about 3% by keeping tires properly inflated.
Invest in a Tire Pressure Gauge. New autos are now on sale with tire pressure monitoring systems, including a new warning light on your dashboard. These systems will indicate when your tires are under-inflated by 25%, but it is always advisable to check your tires with a tire pressure gauge before you see the warning light. Tire pressure increases when driving, so to get an accurate reading, check your pressure when you haven’t driven for three or more hours.
Reduce Aerodynamic Drag. At highway speeds, about 50% of engine power goes to overcoming aerodynamic drag, according to Consumer Reports. Wind resistance can reduce mileage, so you can maximize your mileage by removing luggage racks, roof-top carriers, and ski racks when they are not needed.
Tighten the Gas Cap. A loose cap can be a quick escape route for gasoline. As much as 30 gallons of gasoline could be lost annually to evaporation when the fuel cap is not fully tightened.
Remove Excess Weight. Every pound of extra weight requires your automobile to work harder to move it, and that effort uses fuel. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk typically reduces mileage by about 2%.