2 of 13

Write now Article Tools

DRIVING IN THE GREEN

Driving in today's world consists of a more conscious effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that pollute the environment with dangerous CO2 levels that are responsible for causing global warming and climate change.

Here are some environmentally friendly tips to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions while driving:

1) Look for an environmentally friendly service station when going for a tune-up. Make sure all replaced parts are recycled such as tires, oil, etc. Regular tune-ups are important. Spark plugs, brakes, and transmission fluids should always be working at optimal efficiency.

2) Drive Less. Walk, bike, use public transportation, and carpool whenever possible.

3) If your "check engine" light comes on, make sure to have your vehicle serviced.

4) Stay within the speed limit. Speeds above 60mph decrease gas mileage.

5) Use overdrive. Saves on gas and reduces engine wear.

6) Keep your car cool naturally. Use air conditioning only when necessary. Park in shady spots.

7) Carry Less. A loaded roof rack decreases fuel economy by up to 5%. A loaded trunk by 1-2%.

8) Avoid idling. Idling burns more gas than restarting the engine.

9) Avoid aggressive driving such as speeding, rapid acceleration, and braking which wastes gas and can lower gas mileage by 33%.

10) Keep tires aligned and inflated to maximum pressure recommendations. Will improve mileage; tires will last longer; and you will be safer.

11) The use of premier, high octane, or super gasoline's will not improve emissions.

12) Fill your gas tank when the temperature is coolest to avoid evaporation.

13) Use recommended motor oil for your vehicle or look for energy-conserving motor oil.

14) Replace air filters frequently to improve gas mileage by 10% and prevent damage to the engine.

PURCHASING AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY VEHICLE

Here are a few tips to purchasing a car with less greenhouse gas emissions:

1) Look for alternative or hybrid cars

2) Use EPA's Green Vehicle Guide at www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/inde x.do

Here is a list of the most environmentally friendly cars for 2008:

1) Mercury Mariner

2) Toyota: Toyota Prius, Toyota Highlander SUV, Toyota Camry; also Toyota's Luxury Lexus Division - the Lexus. (Lexus LS600hl - the most expensive - $100,000)

3) Ford Escape

4) Saturn Aura Green Line

5) Saturn Vue Green Line

6) Chevrolet Malibu

Tax credits
There are tax credits for purchasing certain hybrid and alternative cars. ......$3000 tax credit for the Mercury Mariner FWD......$2,200 tax credit for the Mercury Mariner 4WD.

Driving in the green is the best way to drive in today's environmentally and economically conscious world, saving you both money and the environment.

Learn more about this author, Colette Georgii.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about The road to green: How to reduce emissions from your vehicle?
We want to hear your view. Write now!