For most people, car ownership is synonymous with freedom. But when it comes to the environment, not all cars are created equal. Some vehicles have a much bigger carbon footprint than others.
If you’re looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint as an eco-conscious driver, check out these four tips.
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1. Buy a Used Car
Used cars are cheaper, so you can get more bang for your buck. You’ll also have money left to invest in environmentally friendly practices and products like solar panels or an electric car charger.
Additionally, buying a used car comes with hidden perks, such as lower emissions and higher fuel efficiency. And since these vehicles are older, many owners have already taken care of any major mechanical issues that might be present in new cars—like replacing brakes or changing the oil regularly. So there’s less worry about unexpected repairs.
Also, remember that buying fuel efficient-vehicles helps keep the engine from working at maximum power all the time. This keeps it from overheating, which prolongs its life span.
2. Avoid Gas Guzzlers.
If you’re in the market for a new car, you can get one from Calgary used car dealerships with good gas mileage. Gas guzzlers use more fuel and therefore create more pollution than efficient cars. Additionally, these vehicles cost you more money to operate over their lifespan, which is money that could be going toward something better.
If your current vehicle is not very fuel-efficient, take steps to boost its efficiency by switching out low-quality parts (e.g., air filters) or increasing maintenance intervals (like oil changes). These improvements may not seem like much on paper, but they make a difference when it comes time to fill up at the pump.
3. Change Your Driving Habits
If you are serious about reducing your car’s carbon footprint, you should change your driving habits. While it may seem obvious, this is an easy way to make a big difference in how much fuel and CO2 emissions your vehicle produces. Here are some tips.
- Drive slower (if possible)
- Turn off the engine when stopped at a light or stop sign, as long as there aren’t other cars around that might move into your lane while you’re sitting there idling
- Avoid idling altogether if you can, as it burns fuel without actually moving forward
- Use cruise control on long stretches of road where traffic is consistent
Also, drive smoothly and avoid sudden acceleration or braking. If possible, use carpooling or public transportation.
4. Look for a Model Equipped With Automatic Engine Stop-Start
A stop-start engine system reduces fuel consumption significantly. This technology is standard on many new cars and trucks. A stop-start system automatically turns off a vehicle’s engine when it comes to a complete stop to conserve fuel.
When you press the gas pedal again, the system automatically restarts the motor with minimal delay for smoother acceleration and reduced emissions. In fact, drivers with the engine stop-stop feature on their cars or truck save up to 15% in fuel consumption.
There are many ways to reduce your car’s carbon footprint and, in turn, positively impact the environment. The key is to buy a car from used car dealers Calgary that fits your lifestyle and budget. So, be sure to research several options before making a decision.
