With fall here, the colors around us are changing. But there’s at least one thing you can keep green: your vehicle. Taking the proper steps to maintain your vehicle can insure that it will be as environmentally friendly as possible. Help protect the environment (and your wallet) by improving gas mileage with these tips.
Regular Tune-Ups
Regular maintenance on your vehicle helps it run at its optimal level. By keeping your engine tuned up, you will reduce emissions by using less gas. Clean engines use less energy. There are many things that can be fixed with routine engine maintenance. Air filters can be replaced, spark plugs can be checked, and ignition systems can be tuned up, all reducing your gas mileage.
Driving Habits
The way you drive, believe it or not, can have a big effect on your gas mileage. For example, using your car’s cruise control can help fuel economy. You use more gas when you accelerate, and without cruise control on, you are constantly accelerating and decelerating. Most cars lose fuel efficiency due to aggressive driving and speeding as well, so try to avoid these behaviors. You can also use your air conditioner & heat more sparingly to conserve fuel.
Check Your Tires
Correct tire pressure can have an amazing effect on fuel efficiency, believe it or not. You should check your tire pressure about once a month as well as checking tread to make sure you’re at the optimal tire pressure (noted in your car’s owner’s manual).
Emissions
Have your emissions system checked by a professional to ensure that it is working properly. Emissions systems monitor and control exhaust and other pollutants. This system keeps your engine running smoothly and stops harmful gasses and vapors from exiting the fuel tank. Making sure that your emissions system is functioning properly can improve gas mileage tremendously!
