It's Easy Being "Green"
Motorists can do their part to help the environment by practicing a few "earth-friendly"
car care habits, note the experts at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive
Service Excellence (ASE). It all comes down to timely vehicle maintenance and non-aggressive
driving.
Here are specific suggestions from ASE:
- Slow down. Speeding and hard accelerations waste gasoline. Use cruise-control on
highways to maintain a steady pace. When waiting for friends or family, shut off
the engine. Consolidate daily errands.
- Lighten up. Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle to reduce weight.
- Don't pollute. Dispose of used motor oil, antifreeze/coolant, and old batteries
properly. Some repair facilities accept these items. Or call your local government.
Keep the engine running at its peak-a misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency
as much as 30%. Replace filters and fluids as recommended by the owner's manual.
- Get pumped. Keep the tires properly inflated and aligned. Under-inflated tires waste
fuel by forcing the vehicle's engine to work harder. Moreover, properly maintained
tires last longer, saving you money and lessening the burden at landfills.
- Know your limitations. If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, find a good technician.
Ask friends for recommendations. Check the reputation of the repair shop with your
local consumer group. Check out the technicians' credentials. ASE-certified professionals
have passed one or more national exams in specialties such as engine performance
and air conditioning.
- Don't try this at home. Your car's air conditioner should be serviced only by a
technician certified to handle and recycle refrigerants. The air conditioners in
older vehicles contain ozone-depleting chemicals, which can be released into the
atmosphere through improper service.
- Instant karma. In addition to helping the environment, routine maintenance will
help your vehicle last longer, get better gas mileage, and command a higher resale
price. Pretty cool.
Article from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.