An Environmentally Friendly Car (or Green Car) whether new or old, big or small is important. There are preventive maintenance steps every vehicle owner can take to make sure their car is as “green” as possible. You can follow a few simple steps to help protect the environment by improving gas mileage, which in turn saves dollars at the pump.
A Properly Tuned Car Insures Optimum Performance.
A properly maintained vehicle can improve its efficiency, reduce emissions and save you money. Regular engine performance maintenance will help you burn less gas, pollute less, and prevent car trouble down the line, as well as keep you environmentally friendly. This will include checking the spark plugs, replacing the fuel and air filters, replacing ignition system and/or emission system parts if needed and ensuring the onboard computer control system is working properly.
Regularly Check and Replace Dirty Air Filters.
An air filter that is clogged with dirt, dust and bugs chokes off the air and causes the engine to lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter will improve your car’s performance and acceleration, but not miles per gallon. The air filter should be inspected at each oil change, and replaced annually or when restricted, torn, water or oil-soaked.
Replace Spark Plugs If Necessary.
An environmentally friendly vehicle can have four, six or eight spark plugs, which fire as many as three million times every 1,000 miles. This results in a lot of heat, electrical, and chemical erosion. A dirty spark plug also causes misfiring, which wastes fuel.
Maintain The Cooling System.
A cooling system thermostat that causes the engine to run too cold will lower the fuel efficiency of a car by as much as one or two miles per gallon. There also are improved radiator caps on the market today that allow the cooling system to operate at a higher temperature before boiling over, increasing the system’s efficiency and reducing emissions.
Check Your Vehicle’s Gas Cap.
A loose, cracked or damaged gas cap allows gas to escape from your tank as a vapor, wasting fuel and increasing vehicle emissions. It’s also wasting your gas money!
Filler-Up!
STOP pumping when the nozzle shuts off! Topping off the gas tank can release harmful vapors into the environment and waste money. Remember, your tank needs some extra room to allow the gasoline to expand. Some pumps engineered to protect the environment draw extra vapors back into the pump, meaning you pay for more gas than you are getting, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Gill’s Automotive always performs vehicle maintenance and repairs with the environment in mind. We are a GREEN and ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY Shop!!!!