With Earth Day just around the corner and many Langhorne, Pennsylvania, Earth Day events swinging into full gear, what better way to focus on Mother Nature than looking for 10 ways to reduce your carbon footprint? Help make the earth a little greener with the help of the following tips:
- Don't defer maintenance.
Scheduling regular maintenance keeps your car well-tuned and running efficiently. Replace your air, oil, fuel filters, and spark plugs as suggested by your vehicle's manufacturer to improve fuel efficiency 5-20 percent. Keep your tires properly inflated to improve gas mileage and save 400-700 pounds of CO2 per year.
- Drive better.
One of the simplest of the 10 ways to reduce your carbon footprint is by good driving habits. Good driving habits can make a 30 percent difference in your mpg. Drive the speed limit, accelerate slowly and smoothly, maintain a steady speed, and anticipate stops and starts to get the most out of your gas mileage.
- Go small or stay home.
Americans are well known for their obsession with large, powerful cars. However these vehicles are one of the biggest culprits in creating excess carbon dioxide, doing tremendous damage to the environment. Opt for smaller vehicles that sip gas rather than guzzle it, such as the2014 Hyundai Accent with 27/38 mpg and an Active Eco System to reduce fuel consumption, and cut emissions nearly in half.
- Hybridize your life.
Opt for greener vehicles such as theHyundai Sonata Hybrid to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Buy used.
Newer vehicles consume additional energy in their manufacture and transport. Choosing a well-maintained used vehicle, such as a fuel efficient 2013 Elantra, will also help further reduce your carbon footprint.
- Turn your car off.
Idling wastes gas and needlessly produces CO2. Turn the car off and restart it if you need to sit for more than 10 to 20 seconds. While it is illegal to turn your car off at intersections, turning your car off in traffic jams, at the drive-through, or waiting to pick someone up saves fuel and reduces emissions.
- Warm up yourself, not your car.
It's not necessary in today's new cars to warm them up for more than 30 seconds before operation. Bundle yourself up with a hat and scarf instead, only turning on the ignition while you scrape off the windshield.
- Don't carry unnecessary weight.
Bike racks, ski carriers, and other sports gear that add weight to your vehicle reduce fuel economy. If you're not using it, get it out of (or off of) your car.
- Learn to share.
Combine activities and errands with friends and neighbors to save on fuel, spreading the word on your efforts to protect the environment. Being more deliberate with commuting decisions, such as a shared trip to the grocery store with a neighbor in your Hyundai Santa Fe, offers ample opportunity to reduce mileage and emissions.
- Avoid "running-out."
Plan ahead. Purchase items for the week in advance, rather than running out and "running out" to the store frequently. When you do need to make a purchase, stop at locations on your way home from work or other destinations to save fuel and reduce time and mileage.
Looking for a new car as one of your 10 ways to reduce your carbon footprint? Visit McCafferty Hyundai today.
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