Drive Green with Eco-Friendly Driving Tips

In today's environmentally conscious world, making small changes in how we drive can lead to significant benefits for our planet and our wallets. Driving green isn't just about choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle—it's also about adopting driving habits that optimize the performance of any car, reducing both fuel consumption and emissions. Here are essential tips for eco-friendly driving that can help save the environment and some money, too.

Use Smooth Acceleration and Braking

One of the simplest yet most effective changes you can make to your driving technique is to avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking. These actions can drastically decrease your car's fuel efficiency because they require more fuel to execute than smooth, steady movements.

Tip: Try to anticipate traffic flow. This anticipation will allow you to avoid unnecessary stops and starts, which can waste fuel and increase emissions. Utilizing cruise control on highways can help maintain consistent speeds and save gas.

Keep a Proper Maintenance Schedule

A well-maintained vehicle runs more efficiently. Keeping up with regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and tune-ups are essential for ensuring your car doesn't consume more fuel than necessary.

Tip: A poorly maintained engine can increase fuel consumption by up to 4%. Keeping your car in good shape not only reduces emissions but can also prevent more costly repairs in the future.

Plan and Combine Trips

Combining errands into fewer trips reduces the distance you drive and thus, the fuel you use. Multiple short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as one longer multi-purpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm.

Tip: Use apps or GPS to plan the most efficient route before you head out. This technology can help you avoid congested roads, saving both time and fuel.

Reduce Idling Time

Many drivers underestimate the amount of fuel wasted by idling. If you are likely to be stationary for more than a minute, switch off your engine (this doesn't apply in traffic).

Tip: Contrary to popular belief, restarting your car does not burn more fuel than leaving it idling. In fact, idling for just two minutes uses as much fuel as driving one mile.

Maintain Proper Tire Pressure

Being tire smart with properly inflated tires can improve your fuel economy by up to 3%. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which means your engine has to work harder to keep your car moving.

Tip: Check your tire pressure regularly, especially before long journeys or carrying extra weight. The correct tire pressure for your vehicle is usually found on a sticker in the driver's door jamb or the glove box and in your owner's manual.

Benefits for You and the Environment

Adopting these eco-friendly driving tips will not only save you money on fuel costs but also help maintain the value of your vehicle and extend its life. Environmentally, you'll contribute to reduced carbon emissions and lessen the strain on our natural resources. Every eco-friendly decision taken by individual drivers amounts to a collective effort that can have a substantial impact on the health of our planet.

Start implementing these easy-to-follow tips today and visit Caliber Auto Care for all your auto maintenance and repair needs.

Find a Caliber Auto Care location

Caliber Auto Care takes the place of your dealership’s service department and your local quick oil and mechanical repair shop with efficient, high-quality auto repair or maintenance services at an affordable price.

We know that scheduling car care services between work, school and play can be a hassle. That’s why we make it as easy and straightforward as possible, offering you neighborhood convenience, superior service, comfortable waiting areas or free local shuttle service and the option of staying in your vehicle for some services while we work. It’s all about meeting your needs and standing behind our work.

FIND A LOCATION