A greener ethos is something most of us strive for these days. Recycling is a part of our everyday lives and we eagerly jump on the green bandwagon, buying products touted as environmentally-safe. Marketers know that green features are a selling point while nonprofits make an effort to plug greener ideals as with the Earth Day infographic on the Kars4Kids website.
But even with our best efforts, some of the minutiae of living a green lifestyle can get lost in the sauce. We may purchase a car on the strength of its environmentally friendly design and give ourselves a pat on the (collective) back. Most of us, however, have no idea that proper vehicle maintenance is crucial for continued green performance. To that end, here are some green car maintenance tips to help you keep your car -- and the environment -- in tiptop shape.
The author's husband with a car that definitely would not meet today's emission standards (photo courtesy author)
- Maintain proper tire inflation. Tires are meant to be inflated according to the recommended pressure standard for your car. Information regarding your vehicle's recommended pressure is usually listed inside your car's doorframe, or look for it in the owner's manual. Maintaining tire pressure is important for efficient fuel use. A reduction of 3 pounds below the recommended pressure results in a loss of 1 percent fuel economy. Tires may lose up to 1 pound of pressure in a single month. Check your tire pressure at regular intervals, before any significant car travel, and before carrying large weighty loads. Flabby tires can affect driving safety, handling, and tire wear and tear.