Sustainable Car Tips

You do not have to drive a Prius or Tesla to make a positive impact on the environment. There are many ways to make your driving habits more eco-friendly, regardless of the kind of car you drive. Car maintenance of any kind is important, and there are small things that can be done when taking care of your vehicle to help reduce your carbon footprint.

One of the best things you can do for your car is to keep it properly maintained. Sticking to then maintenance schedule in your car’s manual will ensure that your car runs smoothly and efficiently. Doing so will also help you car last longer and also maximize fuel efficiency while minimizing pollution emissions. Wrench is here to help with whatever maintenance you need, and has put together a list of tips for being more sustainable in the process.

• Waterless car wash. This is an increasingly popular alternative to taking your car to a service station to get washed or doing it at home because it conserves water and does not put toxic chemicals back into the environment.
• Improve driving habits. This is something you can do that does not require any extra costs or knowledge. Simply following the rules of the road can help minimize the pollution that you car emits. Avoid braking or accelerating too quickly and using cruise control when you can will help maximize fuel efficiency. Using air conditioning only when necessary and parking in the shade so your car does not overheat are some other easy things you can do.
• Recycle car parts and engine fluids. Batteries and other car parts can now be remanufactured and reused, or can at least be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. Consult your local government waste management agency for information about how to properly dispose of your car parts and engine fluids.
• Drive with properly inflated tires. Keeping your tires inflated to the appropriate is one of the best things you can do to maximize fuel efficiency. Checking frequently to make sure that your car is in alignment will also help prolong the life of your tires.
• Minimize car use. Carpooling, walking, and planning trips more efficiently in order to reduce the time you spend in the car is a significant way to make a positive impact on the environment. The number of cars on the road is rapidly increasing, so anything that you can do to eliminate unnecessary driving helps. Plan out your trips prior to leaving to avoid driving aimlessly, or join a car sharing program for carpooling to work. Not only will you be reducing your carbon footprint but think of all the money you will save on gas!
• Remove extra weight. Avoid lugging around anything that is not currently in use, like a roof rack or golf clubs, to eliminate the added emissions that result from driving a heavier vehicle.
• Use a green battery. Driving with a recycled battery eliminates 97% of the lead, plastic, and sulfuric acid that are present in a new automotive battery. The best part is, a recycled battery works just as well as a new one!
  

All of these tips are evidence that anyone can give back to the environment! Even if you drive a diesel truck or a 20 year old Toyota Camry, there are things that you can do to minimize your car’s emissions and pollution. The little things add up, so try not to cut corners when it comes to car maintenance. Your relationship with your car is a two-way street (pun intended); if you treat it well, it will do the same to you. That being said, take care of the environment too! Wrench is here to ensure that car maintenance is done the best interests of you, your car, and the environment in mind. Schedule an appointment with a Wrench mobile mechanic today - your car and the planet will thank you.