Going Green on the Road

 As going green has quickly become a worldwide mantra in just a few years, it seems that many other people are realizing what early environmental pioneers already knew: that the earth is a resource worth sustaining. Long before there were hybrid cars or ethanol fuel, there was a concept at the forefront of the green movement. It simply involved planting trees to benefit the earth and the people and animals that inhabit it. Today, planting trees and replenishing the greenery on the planet remains a viable way to improve air quality, reduce carbon footprints, improve animal habitats and wildlife preserves, change your landscape for the better, and produce many other positive results. But you can also go 'green' on the road. Whether its with the purchase of a hybrid or fuel efficient vehicle or even changing your driving habits, there are many ways to limit the amount of gasoline you use while driving your vehicle.

Buying Green

Nearly all models come in different configurations, meaning different choices of engine, transmission, and other major options. A model may also be available in versions that meet different emissions standards or run on alternative fuels. Exhaust emissions standards limit the amounts of key pollutants coming from a vehicle's tailpipe and leaks in its fuel system. All new vehicles for sale in the United States are certified to meet Federal emission standards, set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Automakers also rate their vehicles for fuel economy (miles per gallon-MPG) according to standard EPA tests of simulated city and highway driving. Fuel economy standards apply to manufacturers, rather than to individual vehicles. A manufacturer can sell models of varying fuel economy so long as their average fuel economy meets the standard. Light trucks (pickups, minivans, and sport utilities) have a lower standard than passenger cars and station wagons.When you are shopping for your next vehicle, it is important to find one that will suit your needs, whether you need a small commuter car, a family hauler, or a truck that can haul heavy loads. Once you have determined what type of vehicle you need, it is a good idea to compare MPG on a wide variety of models. These numbers can easily be found online from the automaker.

Why Go Green

Many considerations go into buying a new car, SUV, or truck. You'll consider price, styling, comfort, performance, safety, reliability, and of course, how well the vehicle will serve your needs. The decision comes down to cost versus value: how much you are willing to pay for the features you want to get. But the costs of car use goes beyond what's on the sticker and what you'll spend on fuel and repairs. The toll that cars and trucks take on the environment is often hidden but always very real. This toll includes many factors that reduce air and water quality. While it is unrealistic to consider stop driving vehicles all together, you can do your part by putting fuel efficiency at the top of your priorities when it comes to buying a car. If you care about the environment, then what you value goes beyond performance or styling and the options featured in the showroom.

Driving Green

Want to increase your MPG on a vehicle you already own? You may not know that there are many simple ways to actually improve mileage on an existing car. Here are the core techniques you'll need:

1. Keep your car well maintained. Tires and oil are the big ones. You'll lose 1.4% of your fuel efficiency for each PSI your tires are under recommended values. Not having enough, or the right kind of motor oil in your car could lose you 1-2%. And make sure you get your regular maintenance check-ups. A clogged air filter could cost you 10% efficiency, and a faulty oxygen sensor 40%.

2. Limit the weight you haul. The more weight you haul around, the less your fuel efficiency. Remove whatever excess weight you can from the vehicle: snow chains, boxes, etc. Every 100 pounds you can take out will improve your fuel economy another 1-2%.

3. Make your car aero-dynamic. The easier air flows over your car, the better mpg you'll get. Removing your luggage roof rack will buy you 5% fuel economy. Keeping your car sleek with regular washings and waxings will improve its efficiency another 7%.

4. Stop driving like a maniac. This is the biggest way to increase your fuel economy. Every time your foot hits that gas pedal, you are burning fuel. Be light and delicate with it and you could see up to 30% gains in fuel efficiency. Also, your car doesn't like going super fast. For every 5 mph over 60, you'll see a 7% decrease in fuel efficiency. Try not to max out above 60. The brakes also require more ginger treatment. You lose energy every time you hit the brakes.