Research reveals that transportation accounts for almost one-third of all pollution in the United States. While more energy-efficient cars may lessen the adverse effects of pollution on the environment and human health, not everyone owns such vehicles. This makes it essential to know more about how to make existing options more eco-friendly. Although your vehicle’s environmental effects will almost certainly never be zero, you can take plenty of actions to help your car run more sustainably. Here are some ways you can consider.
Research reveals that transportation accounts for almost one-third of all pollution in the United States. While more energy-efficient cars may lessen the adverse effects of pollution on the environment and human health, not everyone owns such vehicles. This makes it essential to know more about how to make existing options more eco-friendly. Although your vehicle’s environmental effects will almost certainly never be zero, you can take plenty of actions to help your car run more sustainably. Here are some ways you can consider.
- Use the car wash
Although washing your car in the driveway may appear a greener alternative, research reveals that it can be ecologically harmful. That is because the wastewater running from the car is frequently laden with gasoline, oil, and exhaust waste, ultimately finding its way into streams, rivers, and wetlands. Meanwhile, commercial car washes are legally required to discharge their wastewater into sewage systems, where it is cleaned before being returned to our rivers. Commercial vehicle washes also use automated equipment and high-pressure sprays to save water use, making them an excellent alternative to consider.
- Buy smart
If you’re looking for a new car, you don’t necessarily have to settle for high gas consumption or hybrid models. If you consider yourself an eco enthusiast, consider other options beyond SUVs, heavy-duty pick-up trucks, and lorries. Vehicles that get at least 30 miles per gallon are usually more fuel-efficient, and genuine car components are more sustainable, so feel free to consider this. These parts undergo rigorous testing and meet the manufacturer’s standards, translating to top-notch performance, exceptional safety, and peace of mind for you and your passengers. If you own a VW, check with your local dealership for genuine VW parts. This way, you contribute to saving the environment, no matter how small.
- Be mindful when filling your tank
Gasoline has high combustion levels, emits excess fumes, and can leak into our groundwater if spilled. However, your vehicle may still need it. In that case, you can avoid environmental damage by not filling your tank after the automated nozzle shuts off. It’s critical to note that the tank will need additional space to expand the fuel. Additionally, topping off your car’s air collection system might be harmed by pushing liquid into the carbon filter. This effect can eventually damage your vehicle’s engine, reduce its performance, and cause it to run poorly, so keep this in mind.
- Avoid leaving your engine idle
You may have left your engine humming at some point. Indeed, idling your vehicle is not a huge concern if you’re only waiting for a restaurant order or in the school pick-up line. However, a few seconds can rapidly develop into minutes, and you’ll be surprised how much gasoline is consumed during that period. Research shows that each gallon of gas burned releases over 20 pounds of greenhouse gases. Switching off the car and then resuming it saves gasoline and is a far better alternative for times when you’d otherwise be sitting idle.
