With gas prices skyrocketing and the environment on the brink of disaster, many drivers are looking for ways to help curb their impact on the planet. The good news is that there are many driving techniques that can be practiced that will lower your environmental impact. These Eco driving tips will not only save you some money at the pump, but will also help to lessen your carbon footprint and keep the planet green and healthy.
While driving faster may have you arriving at your destination sooner, you will also be burning more gas in the process. Studies have demonstrated that driving 55 mph is the best way to lessen the amount of fuel that you use. The temptation to drive fast is strong and many people are not deterred by law enforcement. Knowing that you are helping to save the planet & money will be an inspiration when deciding to remain within or below the speed limit.
Lay Off the Brakes
Braking often and hard will cause a major amount of wear and tear on your vehicle. You will be in the shop more often and will be faced with costly repairs if you rely on your brakes too often. When you drive slower, you will have to brake less and you can also use your shift to avoid braking if you drive a manual. By downshifting the vehicle, you will have to rely less on your brakes and will allow the engine to do some of the work for you. If you do not reduce your speed as often you do not need to keep speeding up and this will save you fuel.
Plan Your Trip
Becoming lost and making wrong turns will add to the gallons of fuel that you use in order to complete your journey. By planning your route in advance, you will help to save both time and money. Do not rely on GPS devices and always trace your route on a map before you leave. There are many programs online that will offer you directions on the shortest and quickest ways to reach your destination. These free services can help you to plan an efficient journey that is ecologically friendly and sound.
Lose the Weight
If you have extra items in your vehicle, you are travelling with unnecessary weight. While the extra weight may seem insignificant, your vehicle will notice and use extra fuel accordingly. Do not eliminate essentials, but clean your car often and unload and unpack any extra items that you may be carrying around.
Clear the Roof-Rack
Carrying items on the top of your car may save space in the interior, but it will not help with fuel costs. Not only is there extra weight involved, but your vehicle will be less aerodynamic. This will cause it to use more fuel and will cause the vehicle to work harder in order to overcome the wind.
If you drive a vehicle that uses diesel fuel, consider converting the vehicle to run on vegetable oil. This fuel burns cleaner and can be done for almost no cost. You will recoup the amount you spend on the conversion in very little time and will never wait in a gas line again.
Upgrade Your Vehicle
If you have an old clunker that eats gas, then consider an upgrade. Newer cars are more fuel efficient and have lower emissions. Newer vehicles also have a tendency to receive much better mileage than older models.
Remember when you are able to save fuel on a journey you are producing less harmful emissions and reducing the need to pump more oil from the ground but you are also saving money in the process, thinking about how we drive and using our cars sensibly is just one of the ways we can all contribute to keeping the planet a nice and safe place to live.