11 Ways to Make Your Car More Eco-Friendly

Owning an electric car is the best way to reduce your carbon footprint as a car owner. With no tailpipe emissions, electric vehicles give people cleaner streets, making their towns and cities better for cyclists and pedestrians.  Unfortunately, the price tag of an EV may deter some from enjoying this convenience, though you can take out an auto loan to help you pay for the car, just as you would with any other vehicle.

However, even with a traditional gasoline car, you can still reduce your environmental footprint by changing your driving habits and car maintenance routines. Not only will your vehicle be kinder to the planet, but you'll also likely see some welcome savings at the gas station. Here are 11 easy to make your car more eco-friendly.

Easy, eco-friendly driving habits

Smooth acceleration and braking

When you slam on the gas pedal, your car engine interprets that as a request for a power boost. The engine will work much harder to provide this boost, which means burning more fuel and releasing more emissions. The same thing happens when you brake hard. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, hard acceleration and braking reduce fuel efficiency by 15% to 30%. Moreover, rapid acceleration will cause wear and tear and put you and your passengers at risk.

On the contrary, smooth control allows your car to maintain momentum efficiently. So, how do you avoid these aggressive driving habits? Assume your right foot is a feather, gently resting on the accelerator pedal. To accelerate smoothly, slowly press down with the ball of your foot, increasing pressure gradually until you reach your desired speed.

Maintain steady speeds

Your car's engine is most efficient when it operates at a constant speed. As mentioned above, accelerating forces the engine to work harder, burning more fuel and increasing emissions. Conversely, maintaining a steady speed allows the engine to maintain a consistent rhythm, optimizing fuel use. While sometimes it is impossible to have a steady speed, doing it often will lower your carbon footprint. That said, how can you do this?

• Before you hit the road, check traffic conditions and plan your route to minimize stops and slowdowns.
• Pay attention to traffic patterns and upcoming lights or signs. If you see a slowdown ahead, gradually ease off the accelerator to maintain momentum rather than slamming on the brakes and then having to reaccelerate.
• Use cruise control on highways with consistent speeds. Cruise control maintains a constant speed, freeing you from the temptation to tap the brakes or accelerate unnecessarily. However, remember to be cautious and use cruise control only in safe driving conditions where traffic flow is consistent.

Avoid idling

Many drivers have left their cars idling at some point, be it when stuck in traffic, waiting in a drive-thru lane, or warming up the car on a cold morning. They assume it will be easier than switching off and starting them again. What they don't realize is that this harms the environment and can also harm their engine.

Modern cars are designed to warm up quickly while driving. Idling for extended periods does little for engine temperature but burns fuel rapidly. According to Ford, idling for one hour is equivalent to 40 km or 25 miles of driving. Eco-conscious drivers should not idle for more than one minute.

Plan trips to minimize driving

As an eco-conscious driver, you don't need to be on the road unless necessary. The more miles you cover, the more emissions you produce. Consider combining errands and optimizing routes to minimize unnecessary driving. For instance, you can stop by the grocery store on your way from work, walk, or use a bike to run errands that don't require a car. You can also carpool with friends or use public transportation.

Smart maintenance for efficiency

Regular engine maintenance

Over time, components like spark plugs, air filters, and oil can wear down or get clogged. This can lead to problems like incomplete combustion, where some fuel isn't fully used and gets released as harmful emissions or increased friction, forcing the engine to work harder. A well-maintained engine operates at peak performance, reducing emissions and improving fuel economy.

Keep tires properly inflated

Vehicle tires are the unsung heroes of the road. They silently take a beating, gripping the pavement and keeping you rolling. However, did you know that the air pressure inside your tires significantly affects your car's eco-friendliness?

The amount of air in your tires directly affects their rolling resistance. Underinflated tires have a larger surface area touching the road. This creates more drag, forcing your engine to work harder to overcome that resistance. The result? Lower fuel efficiency and increased carbon emissions.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, correctly inflated tires can increase your gas mileage by up to 3%. Remember to check your tire pressure at least once a month before any long trips.

Lighten your car

Every extra pound in your car decreases fuel efficiency as it needs more energy to move. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that for every 100 pounds of additional weight, your MPG drops by 1-2%. While it may seem insignificant, it adds up quickly, especially with heavy items like luggage or sporting equipment left in the trunk for extended periods.

Removing unnecessary load or weight from your car gives your engine a break. It doesn't have to work as hard to propel the vehicle; as a result, there are fewer emissions.

Reducing fuel consumption

Minimize air conditioning use

Driving with your window rolled down or the AC on during the hotter months is blissful. However, both options could significantly increase fuel consumption and emissions. Driving with the AC on makes the engine work harder and increases fuel consumption by nearly 10%.

On the other hand, driving at high speed with open windows increases fuel consumption by almost 20% due to drag. As an eco-friendly driver, you should balance the two to reduce emissions. Open your windows when driving slower and use AC while at high speed.

Fill up strategically (cooler mornings/evenings)

Gasoline, like most liquids, is denser in cooler temperatures. This means that a gallon of gas purchased in the cooler morning or evening will contain slightly more actual fuel than a gallon purchased during the hotter times of the day. While the difference may seem small (a fraction of a percent), it can add up over time, especially when filling up larger tanks.

Beyond the car

Use eco-friendly car cleaning products

Most conventional car cleaning products contain phosphates, petroleum distillates, and other harsh chemicals. These can damage car paint, irritate skin, and release harmful fumes.

When you wash your car, the soapy runoff often ends in storm drains and eventually flows into rivers and streams, which is very dangerous for marine life. As an eco-conscious driver, you should use eco-friendly car cleaning products to lower your carbon footprint.

Properly dispose of used oil and car fluids

Motor oil and other car fluids are essential for running your vehicle smoothly. However, once they've served their purpose, these fluids can become a dangerous waste if not properly disposed of.

Improper disposal of used engine oil and fluids can contaminate soil and water, harm wildlife, and pose health risks. Ensure you dispose of them correctly. You can pour them into a clean or metal container with a firmly sealed lid.

Bottom line

While electric cars are the ultimate eco-friendly choice, there are many ways to significantly reduce your environmental impact, even with a diesel or gasoline car. You can make a real difference by adopting simple yet effective practices – from smooth driving techniques to strategic maintenance routines. You'll not only be helping the planet, but you'll also likely see a welcome reduction in fuel costs.