Driving to Save Energy:
Tips on how to drive a car with the intent of saving energy
Driving to Save
One of the greatest tolls on the environment and on energy resources in today’s society is driving. Although new cars are being produced to reduce the amount that the average car dips into our energy resources and alleviate the stress vehicles create on our environment, there are a number of ways a person can change his or her driving habits to help these issues. Rather than forcefully accelerating a car, a slow start expends a lot less energy. Additionally, traveling at times when traffic is not built up can greatly reduce energy use. Rather than stopping and starting and wasting gas through acceleration, a smooth, unblocked ride can save time and resources. Driving at the designated speed limit also helps reduce wasted energy; for less gas will be burned over the course of your trip. Ventilating your car through windows and vents is also a better strategy than turning on air conditioning which increases fuel usage and consumes valuable resources.
Park with a Purpose
Although it might seem menial, thinking ahead and planning out your parking space are important factors in energy conservation. Rather than parking in a sunny, warm space, it is important to park cars in the shade. This not only reduces the evaporation rate of fuel in your car, but allows you to require less air conditioning when returning to your car. Parking a car in the garage as opposed to a driveway can help prevent heat buildup and save energy. Placing removable shades on your windshields can also protect your car from the heat if a shaded spot is unavailable.
Maintaining a Green Car
Being aware of different factors that go into a car’s maintenance can greatly reduce the use of wasted energy. A car’s fuel economy is something that needs to constantly be attended to. By getting a tune up on a car, fuel economy is constantly strengthened and fewer resources will be wasted. Checking the air pressure in your tires can also resultantly improve fuel economy. Completely filled tires assure that a car travels swiftly and that less energy is needed for it to move along. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, with every three pounds lost below a tire’s recommended air pressure, the fuel economy of a car can drop by 1 percent. Be aware that with every passing month one less pound of air pressure is lost in an unchecked car. It is also pertinent to observe the emission control system of a car, especially if a warning sign flashes on the control panel. Under these circumstances the car should be taken in immediately to be checked.