- 1). Reduce your carbon footprint by using less gasoline. Every gallon of gas you burn produces about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide, according to the Department of Energy, so saving gas can help stop global warming!
- 2). Drive the speed limit on highways. Fuel efficiency is highest when traveling under 60 MPH and declines significantly above that.
- 3). Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in your car. Check your trunk for unused items that add to the weight your engine has to move.
- 4). If you have a manual transmission, drive in a high gear to reduce the speed of your engine and conserve fuel.
- 5). Avoid idling, as it wastes gas. If you won't be moving for a minute or more, shut off the engine (unless you're on the road, of course). Don't warm up the engine--today's cars don't need that.
- 6). Maintain your car by changing the oil as often as the manual recommends and keeping up with other routine maintenance.
- 7). Keep your tires properly inflated. Your owner's manual tells you what pressure is recommended. Poorly inflated tires rob gas mileage.
- 1). Avoid burning fossil fuels by converting to bio-diesel if you drive a car with a diesel engine.
- 2). Buy a hybrid car, electric car, or hydrogen powered car. There are plenty of hybrids to choose from; plug-in electrics and hydrogen cars should be available in coming years.
- 3). Upgrade to a more fuel-efficient model. Even if you don't drive a hybrid, you can save fuel by choosing a sedan instead of an SUV, or a car with a 4-cylinder engine instead of a 6- or 8-cylinder one.
- 1). Save water by using waterless car wash products like Eco-Touch.
- 2). Buy only organic or green car wash products.
- 3). Choose organic or green windshield cleaners and de-icers.
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