Green Driving

Green Driving is a fairly vague term; after all, isn't all driving non-green?

Well, in fairness, the following tips will allow for greener driving, which can allow for huge mileage gains, fewer emissions, and less money wasted at the pump!

 

Go On A Diet (not that kind of diet)

No matter what kind of car you drive, reducing weight will go a long way toward increasing your car's fuel economy.  Have a ski or bike rack on your car?  Unless you're on your way to a ski trip or bike ride, take it off.  That unused rack adds weight and wind resistance.  And if you're like most people, you probably have some junk in your trunk.  Clean it out.  Sports equipment, strollers, gym bags, and rock salt left over from winter driving are all hurting your fuel economy.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that for every extra 100 pounds your car carries, it loses 2 percent in fuel economy; so just by cleaning up your act you can start on the road to savings.

 

Proper Tire Inflation

The easiest way to waste money (and miles) is through improper tire inflation.  Underinflated tires negatively affect fuel efficiency.  Properly inflated tires have less contact with the road, and thus less friction, enabling your car to propel itself with more ease.  Also, low-rolling resistance tires are a great option for saving gas (and money).  They are harder and encounter even less friction than normal tires; the only drawback being a stiffer ride.

 

Lighten Your Lead Foot!

Go easy on those pedals.  Speeding, accelerating, and braking hard can deplete efficiency by 33 percent, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  In order to save yourself some precious fuel, lighten up on your legs.  The 3' series BMW's of yesteryear (1980's and 90's E30's and E36's) all had mpg gauges built into the speedometer, allowing the driver to constantly monitor his/her driving habits and optimize efficiency.  [source: fueleconomy.gov].

 

Live The Alternative Lifestyle...

Alternative fuels are becoming more and more prominent in today's automotive industry.  Check out our information tab dedicated solely to alternative fuels, and which one is right for you: alternative fuels.

 

Upgrade To An Electric...it's all the rage!

Electric cars have become practical and affordable (for the most part).  However, we are well on the way to reducing our dependence on oil and adopting cleaner vehicles to propel us.  Read all about Electric Vehicles (EV) on our dedicated resource tab: Electric Vehicles.

 

Carpooling

Not only does it harken back to the days of junior high, it's a great way to save gas!  It's simple: reduce the amount of cars on the road by combining as many occupants as possible into one vehicle.  Ride sharing is also a great option; it matches interested car poolers together, which can be a big help if you don't live near anyone you work with.  Ride sharing programs also sometimes provide central locations for picking up and dropping off car poolers.

 

Car Sharing

Joining a car share network is a financially and environmentally sound alternative to buying a car, if your driving regime can accommodate it.

Read more in our reference section: Car Sharing.

 

Take The Train

Public transportation has been a dependable form of transportation for over a century.  Not only does mass transit ease congestion, it reduces pollution.  It also encourages green development by promoting greater population density around subway stations and major bus lines.

Read more here: Mass Transit.

 

Driving isn't the most environmentally friendly act, by any means; however, you can be more responsible when it comes to lessening your carbon footprint by incorporating some of the aforementioned tips into your daily commute.

 

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