If you’re concerned for the planet, it makes sense that you’d want your car to be eco-friendly. While electric cars are good for the environment and will be legally required in a few decades in many countries around the world. Yet there are still some ways that you can use your fossil fuel powered car in a more eco-friendly way until the inevitable switch.
So, if you’ve got a gas or diesel powered car but you’re in the right place looking to reduce your fuel consumption where possible. All because we’ve got some tips for you. With these tips, you’ll be able to save money and help the planet. You may even improve your health and fitness in the long term.
Here are 5 ways to make your car more eco-friendly!
1. Take unwanted stuff out of the trunk
If you’ve got an SUV or reasonably large car, it’s not uncommon to keep unnecessary things. From old kids’ toys to junk you’ve been meaning to throw away for years… there’s so much dead weight that gets carried around in your vehicle every single day.
Did you know that a midsize car’s fuel consumption increases by 1% for every 25kg of unnecessary weight added? Over time, that can quickly become a very big problem and all of that fuel is getting wasted by moving around junk in your car that you don’t even care about or need.
2. Make sure your tires are well-inflated
Underinflated tires are incredibly common on US roads, with some surveys suggesting that only 19% of US drivers have car tires that are properly inflated. Underinflated tires need to work much harder to move the same amount of weight, so it’s crucial to check your tire pressure regularly.
It’s not something you might think about, but checking the inflation level and air pressure in your tires could lead to more eco-friendly driving and more safety when dealing with treacherous conditions.
3. Use air conditioning less often
In the US, many drivers overuse their air conditioning systems. However, did you know that using your air conditioning increases your fuel consumption by approximately 20%?
While it might be nice to stay nice and cool in your car, try dressing down or cracking open a window instead. If you must use the A/C system, use the recirculate setting to minimize the environmental impact.
4. Take it easy on the accelerator
Many of us are guilty of revving our engines when we don’t need to. We’re also guilty of accelerating quickly. At times, a gentle crawl will get us to our destination in the same time frame when taking traffic lights and signals into account.
Try to abuse your accelerator less and take it easy when driving. There’s no need to speed from 0 straight to the speed limit just because it feels faster or more satisfying.
If you have a manual transmission car, also try to drive in higher gears where possible, as this tends to make it easier on the acceleration and therefore it’s more fuel efficient.
5. Take up walking or public transport
Depending on where you live, walking and/or public transport may not be an option for you.
However, if you live in or near a big city with lots of walkways and public transport amenities, then it might make sense to try walking or taking public transport more often.
Not only is this more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly, but the extra walking and exercise could help to improve your health too!
Whether you empty your trunk or start driving in higher gears, we hope you enjoyed these 5 tips for fuel-efficient driving!
