8 great tips for greener driving

“Green” doesn’t just mean “go.” It’s also a way of life. When you keep your vehicle in tip-top shape, you protect the environment by avoiding excessive fuel use, reducing scrap material and curbing hazardous emissions.

Remember, a vehicle’s running condition, your driving style and the way in which fluids, old parts and tires are disposed have tremendous environmental impact.

Consider the following pointers for preserving the planet when you get behind the wheel.

1. Tune your engine. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent.

2. Check tires for proper inflation and wheels for proper alignment. Underinflation and out-of-line wheels (evidenced by uneven tread wear or vehicle pulling) waste fuel by forcing the engine to work harder. Properly maintained tires last longer, meaning disposal of fewer scrap tires.

3. Keep your air conditioner in top shape. Air conditioners contain ozone-layer-depleting chlorofluorocarbons. Nearly one-third of CFCs released into the atmosphere come from mobile air conditioners, primarily during service and repair, so only allow maintenance by a technician certified to handle and recycle refrigerants.

4. Observe speed limits. Mileage decreases sharply at speeds exceeding 55 mph.

5. Drive gently. Avoid sudden accelerations and a jerky stop-and-go driving style. Use cruise-control on open highways to stabilize speed.

6. Avoid excessive idling. Shut off the engine while waiting for friends and family. Today’s vehicles “warm up” fast, so forget about five-minute warm-ups on cold winter mornings.

7. Remove excess items from the vehicle. Less weight equals improved mileage. Reduce air drag by storing luggage and cargo in the trunk vs. the roof.

8. Plan trips. Consolidate daily errands to eliminate unnecessary driving. Try traveling during light traffic times to avoid stop-and-go conditions. Join a car pool.