Mommy Goes Green

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%.

Download and print the Ecodriving Tips for hands-on reference and for more Ecodriving practices, visiting Ecodrivingusa.com.

May is EcoDriving Month, celebrate by improving your driving habits. EcoDrivingUSA^TM is encouraging all drivers to take simple steps to improve their fuel efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint.

Subtle changes in driving habits can produce significant benefits, such as saving money at the gas pump and reducing CO2 emissions. Typically, practicing moderate levels of EcoDriving can reduce fuel use by an average of 15%. Here are best practices for green driving:

• Avoid Rapid Starts and Stops.  Avoid tailgating. Gentle acceleration and braking can save more than $1 per gallon.
• Keep on Rolling Traffic.  Slow-and-go is better than stop-and-go.  It can take 20% more fuel to accelarate from a full stop than from 5 miles per hour.
• Use A/C at high speeds.  A/C can reduce mileage, by as much as 20%.  When driving at 40mph or less, open windows.  Over 40mph, close windows and use the A/C ( open windows create drag )
• Maintain Optimum Highway Speed.  According to the EPA, every 5 miles over 60mph is equivalent to paying 20 extra cents per mile.
• Use Cruise Control.  Using cruise control on 10,000 of the miles driven in a year could save $200 and more than 60 gallons in fuel according to the DOT.
• Avoid Idling.  Make it a habit to turn off your engine when waiting at the curb.  For every hour spent idling, an automobile burns more than half a gallon of fuel.
• Buy a Pass for Toll Roads.  Avoid stopping, starting and idling in lines by breezing through toll roads or bridges with a pass.
• Use the Highest Gear Possible.  By using overdrive gearing where possible, such as on the highway, your vehicle’s engine speed goes down, saving fuel and engine wear while reducing CO2 emissions.
• Drive Your Vehicle to Warm It Up.  Today’s engines are designed to run most efficiently when warmed up, so you want to warm up the vehicle by driving it. During the first few minutes of driving when an engine is cold, try to avoid sudden or severe acceleration. Also, you don’t need to step on the gas pedal before starting the engine.
• Keep Your Car Cool. Roll down the windows when getting into a hot car to blow out the hot air. Try to park in the shade. And consider investing in a heat reflector or window shades to shield your vehicle’s interior from the sun. Parking in your garage instead of outdoors can help keep your vehicle cooler in the summer.

Download and print the Ecodriving Tips for hands-on reference and check in tomorrow for Ecodriving Maintenance practices.