How To Be A More Eco Friendly Driver
We should all try to be a more eco friendly driver! Here are 9 great tips to get you started
By Diane Small
The truth is, most of us love our cars. In fact, some of us even give our cars names! (I confess, mine is Ethyl). But we know driving isn’t the most eco friendly activity.
We are being told that electric vehicles (EVs) is the way to go to become a more eco friendly driver. But the reality is, that’s simply not true, for many reasons.
For example, did you know that in the USA, around 60% of all EVs are powered by fossil fuels? Yep, that’s right. When you plug your electric car in, it’s actually being juiced by coal or natural gas. So, what’s the point?
But that’s not all. The batteries for EVs consume loads of natural resources such as lithium, which is often mined by children and/or near-slave labour. Those batteries are non-recyclable, and highly toxic, too.
And don’t even get me started on the incredible amounts of resources that are going in to making brand new EV charging stations around the country! In fact, it’s beyond me how anyone could think they are better than gas fuelled cars. The reality is, they’re about the same, if not worse.
So, what’s a girl to do if she wants to be a more eco friendly driver?
Well, the truth is, there’s plenty.
Adopt Eco Friendly Driving Habits
One of the simplest ways to be a more eco friendly driver is to simply make minor adjustments to your driving habits.
Here are some key practices:
1. Maintain Optimal Tire Pressure
Did you know that by keeping your tires properly inflated, you can improve fuel efficiency by up to 3%? That’s because under-inflated tires can create more rolling resistance for your vehicle, which means it uses more fuel. Fact!
2. Minimise Idling Time
This one should be obvious. If you’re not moving, turn off the darned engine! Idling consumes fuel and emits unnecessary pollutants. And is annoying AF to those around you!
3. Avoid Aggressive Driving
Ok, this one may be more for the guys than the girls. But rapid acceleration and braking can lower your gas mileage by 15% to 30% on highways and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic.
Smooth, gradual acceleration and deceleration are more fuel-efficient and better for the environment.
4. Carpool Whenever Possible
This is another pretty obvious one, but one that many of us ignore out of habit. For example, my husband lives in the same neighbourhood as two of his employees. I chide him all the time for not carpooling with them, but he just rolls his eyes and says he doesn’t want to wait for them to get ready, or converse with them on the way to work. Which is just wrong, wrong, wrong! He could save the emissions of two cars every single day just by carpooling. A no brainer, right?
Also, Regular Vehicle Maintenance Counts
I know it’s a pain. And it can also be quite expensive. But maintaining your vehicle regularly not only extends its life, but also makes you a more eco friendly driver! Here’s why.
6. Tuning the Engine
A well-tuned engine runs more efficiently, burns less fuel, and emits fewer pollutants. Regular engine checks and tune-ups are essential for optimal performance.
7. Replacing Air Filters
Here’s something I recently learned: a clean air filter improves gas mileage and reduces emissions. Dirty air filters can increase fuel consumption by up to a whopping 10%. Whoa, right?
8. Use a More Eco-Friendly Motor Oil
When you’re buying oil, opt for motor oils labelled as ‘energy conserving’. These oils contain friction-reducing additives that improve fuel economy.
9. Drive the Most Gas Efficient Car Possible
If you’re in the market for a new car, of course you should be looking for the most gas efficient vehicle on the market. That means no huge SUVs or other gas guzzlers. Do your research to see which car consumes the least fuel. This means in the long run, you’ll not only save on emissions, but you’ll also save loads of cash, too.
Those are all the tips I have for how to be a more eco friendly driver. Do you have any more of your own? Let us know in the comments, below!
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