|
As the earth warms, global warming and sustainability has become a big newsmaker. People often ask what they can do to help fight global warming and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Some have purchased a hybrid vehicle, others have taken to walking more, riding the bus while others are puzzled what they can do with little money that would make a difference.
Rode suggests getting the biggest amount of good for the least amount of money. Not everyone can afford to buy a new car. The best way is not to use your car. Walk or ride your bike. Not only will you lower your carbon foot print, but you will live a longer and healthier life.
Combine trips, a cold engine gets poor fuel mileage and until a vehicle gets to operating temperature, it pollutes much more. The easiest way is to do very small steps. When a tire is not inflated properly, it requires more energy to make the car move and maintain speeds.
An informal study found the majority of the vehicles in the US are only inflated to 80% of capacity. Property inflated tires can increase fuel mileage by 3.3%, an underinflated tires can lower fuel mileage by .4% per pound. Putting that an average driver who drives 12,000 miles per year, that would be an extra 144 gallon of fuel and up to 2,880 pounds of greenhouse gases and the waste of $300-$500 dollars per year!
Low tire pressure can also wear out tires prematurely and will allow the
tire to build up heat which can lead to a blow out. Check your tires pressure monthly and if you find one consistently low, have a tire shop repair it. It is an accident waiting to happen.
Correct tire pressure for your vehicle is found in the drives door jam, owner's manual or glove box door. Do not use the pressure that is written on the tire, that is the maximum pressure for that tire. (On bicycles, use the pressure written on the tire)
Other small tips that will help the vehicle have lower emissions are:
1. Have your "Check engine light" fixed if it is on. The reason it was put there in the first place (An act of Congress) is to lower emissions.
2. Use smooth driving anticipate traffic light, no quick starts
3. Have vehicle maintained
4. Use proper oil
5. Use cruise control on freeway
6. Don't warm up you vehicle, just drive easy until temperature gauge is to the
normal range
7. Empty car of unnecessary weight
8. Remove ski rack, bike racks, and cargo carriers when not in use. This is
most important on freeway driving.
9. On modern vehicles (1995 and up), the air filter does NOT
affect fuel mileage. The injection system measure air flow so a very plugged
air filter will just reduce power.
Even small steps like these can help improve our planet.
|