How to be an Eco-Friendly Car Owner?

Air pollution comes from many sources and all of us contribute to air pollution in our daily activities. As cars are a major source of air pollution, it is important to drive in a more eco-friendly way to improve air quality and reduce vehicle emissions. Vehicle emissions contribute to human health and natural environmental problems. The way you drive and how well you look after your car can make a big difference to the amount of pollution your car produces.

Below are some simple ways to help save the environment and reduce emissions from your vehicle.

Avoid unnecessary driving
An effective way to reduce vehicle emissions is to use it less. By reducing the number of times you use your car and taking alternative transportation methods such as carpooling, cycling, walking or using the public transportation, you can help to reduce the amount of air contaminants polluting the air.

Carpooling is an ideal way of cost saving, especially for those who need to travel long distance each day. It can also reduce traffic congestion resulting in less pollution to our environment.

For short trips, cycling or walking is just as efficient as driving and a great way to increase your fitness level as well.

Always plan ahead and take a less congested route whenever possible and combine several trips to one so as to avoid multiple trips.

Keep your car well maintained

A poorly maintained car can release much more emissions than a well maintained one. Maintain your car as recommended by the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines. By doing so, you can reduce your car's emissions and enhance its performance as well.

Make sure your car is serviced regularly and check items that need to be changed periodically such as air filters, oil, oil filters, fluids, belts and so on. Also, ensure that the engine is properly tuned.

Keep tires inflated to the correct pressure and check them frequently as poorly inflated tires can cause a loss in fuel economy. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended tire pressure. This information may also be available inside the driver’s side door jamb.

Older cars pollute more. When buying a used car, ensure that your car is checked by a skilled technician who is familiar with emission control systems.

Drive smart

By making some changes to the way you drive, you can reduce your car's air pollution contribution. Below are some ways on how to be more environmentally friendly when you need to drive.

Avoid Idling
Avoid idling your car needlessly as excessive idling pollutes. If you expect to idle for more than 30 seconds, turn off the engine whenever it is safe to do so and restart again.

Drive smoothly
Stop-and-go driving is much less efficient and more polluting than driving at a constant speed. Avoid rapid acceleration and heavy braking as it wastes fuel, increases pollution and wears out your brakes easily. Try to avoid traveling during peak hours and on congested roads whenever possible.

Use air conditioning sparingly
Use of air conditioning can increase emissions and uses extra fuel when operating. Try not to use it unless you really need it. Park in the shade whenever possible in order to prevent the car from heating up in the sun. This will lessen the pollution and waste that occurs when gasoline evaporates from the engine and gas tank.

Reduce Loads
Your car uses more fuel and emits more pollution the more weight it carries. Don’t carry unnecessary items in the car and leave those items at home when you don’t need it.

Don’t overfill the tank
Watch that you don’t overfill the tank. Stop at the first click of the nozzle and don’t try to force it to accept more gasoline. The spilled gasoline pollutes the air when it evaporates.

With just a few small changes to how your drive, you can help make a contribution to clean air!