Vehicles, both personal and commercial, are amongst the biggest sources of greenhouse emissions worldwide. These emissions are the main culprits behind global climate change. With the continuously increasing public awareness regarding different environmental issues, more and more individuals are now taking matters into their own hands in an effort to reduce these toxic emissions.
If you’re wondering how to take part in the environmental movement and reduce your own vehicle’s gas emissions, the following tips can help you out.
Choose fuel-efficient vehicles
When it comes to personal vehicles, the best way to reduce your carbon footprint is to start at the very beginning. If you’re in the market for a new car, look for the most fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly one that meets your needs. Electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, and vehicles that implement the hybrid hydraulic regenerative energy technologies are among the most eco-friendly options out there. As our source explains, hybrid hydraulic vehicles are far more effective in reducing gas emissions than their hybrid electric counterparts. However, any fuel-efficient car will be better for the environment than regular cars, and it can possibly save you money on fuel costs.
Burn cleaner fuel
You’ve probably seen the more expensive fuels labeled as ‘premium’ or ‘super’ at a gas station and thought to yourself: “Is it really worth the extra bucks?” Several types of fuels such as low-sulfur gasoline and 85% ethanol fuel can reduce pollutants and improve fuel efficiency. Some drivers even report an increase in their vehicle’s performance. So, to answer your question, yes, premium fuels are definitely worth a try!
Reduce idle time
Idle time is used to describe the time during which a car is left running, even when it’s parked or stuck in traffic. Unnecessary idling of car wastes fuel, produces greenhouse emissions, and causes excess engine wear. Contrary to the common belief, idling the car for as little as 10 seconds wastes more fuel than restarting. So, the next time you’re stuck in traffic, turn off your engine and cut the unnecessary fuel consumption.
Change the oil
The engine is commonly considered the heart of a vehicle, which makes the engine oil its lifeblood. In addition to preventing the engine’s wear, the oil is also responsible for its lubricating, cleaning, and cooling, which means that in order to keep your car running at optimum efficiency, you have to change the oil at regular intervals as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. By keeping your engine running efficiently, you ensure that your car isn’t producing any more pollutants than it has to.
Check your tires
People mostly associate tire pressure with the safety of the vehicle, but it’s also directly linked to its greenhouse emissions. Low tire pressure reduces fuel efficiency and increases fuel consumption, which, in turn, increases CO2 emissions. A tire that’s under-inflated by 20% will increase your fuel consumption by around the same amount, consequently adding to the amount of air pollution in the atmosphere.
Ideally, we’d live in a green world where we’d all ride our bikes everywhere, but unfortunately, this dream is far from reality. Nowadays, most driveways contain glaring evidence of a major source of greenhouse emissions: our cars. And while we can’t get rid of our cars, there are still actions we can take to lower the air pollution and gas emission levels that we produce. Use this guide for inspiration, and remember: any action you take will make a difference, no matter how small.