You can make eco-friendly changes in every aspect of your life, from recycling to comparing energy providers or switching to solar. Living a greener lifestyle also saves money, especially when it comes to an eco-friendly car. No matter what type of car you drive, staying green on the road while saving green at the pump is possible with creativity and common sense awareness. Maximize your car’s fuel-saving potential and develop better driving habits without stress or cash outlay by keeping in mind the following tips.
High gas prices, longer commutes and stringent federal fuel economy standards have both manufacturers and car buyers desperate for more fuel-efficient vehicles. The federal government is aiming for a Corporate Average Fuel Economy of 54.5 mpg by 2025, a far cry from today’s 29 mpg, notes The New York Times. To ease car buyers and manufacturers into the new standards, the CAFE is set to gradually increase to 35.5 mpg by 2016.
These recent developments have also raised the average sales-weighted fuel economy of new cars. New cars average 24.9 mpg as of August 2013, compared to 20.8 mpg in August 2008, says a recent report from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.
Make the Farthest Destination Your First Stop
Your engine is at its most efficient when it’s fully warmed up, and leaving the vehicle at idle for long periods just to raise your engine’s temperature wastes fuel and creates pollution. To prevent wasting fuel, embark upon your longest trips first. This way, you’ll avoid those short trips that increase engine wear and reduce fuel economy.
Watch Tire Inflation Pressure
Keeping your tires properly inflated improves your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. For every one psi drop in tire pressure, you’ll lose 0.3 percent in fuel economy, so always keep your tires inflated according to vehicle specifications.
Follow tire pressure information on the driver’s side door jamb, glove box or owner’s manual — and not by the maximum pressure found on the sidewall. You’ll achieve better fuel economy this way. Your tires will last longer and your car’s ride and handling will improve. Dealership’s service departments can inspect your tires and offer professional tire advice and care.
Brake the Engine
Engine braking utilizes the retarding forces within the engine to help slow the vehicle down. In a car with a manual transmission, brake the engine by downshifting a gear and releasing the clutch. On automatic transmission-equipped vehicles, moving the shift lever to the next lowest gear after “D” or activating the transmission’s manual shift mode usually does the trick. It not only comes in handy when coming to a stop on steep inclines, but you’ll also save plenty of wear and tear on your brakes in regular use. Continuously variable transmissions also use engine braking, either by design or through special modes, to help drivers slow down.
Need Financing for a New Ride?
Wait! Before you go to the dealership to take advantage of these year-end clearance events, be sure to lock in your financing beforehand. Getting auto financing, regardless of your credit history is a breeze at OpenRoad Lending. You can apply and get a loan decision back in just a few minutes. From there, download your low rate car loan package and you are on your way to buying the car or truck of your dreams. Not in the market now for a new or used car? Consider refinancing an existing auto loan. On average, consumers are saving over $100 per month on their car loan payments. It’s just a few clicks away… you will be glad you did.
Interested in learning more about the cars above? Go to www.OpenRoadLending.com to see what other people in your area paid for the car you want so you know if you’re getting a good deal. To make it easier for you, incentives are already built in.