Tips for Environmentally-Friendly Driving

Most people think the only way to drive your car in an eco-friendly way is to drive a hybrid or electric vehicle. But even those of us who drive cars fueled by gasoline can take steps toward more efficient driving. Let's go over a few ways through which we can all start eco-driving.

Maintaining Speed

Gas is guzzled more often when we are accelerating from a low speed to a high one. Maintaining a constant speed as often as possible means that your vehicle won't need to struggle to accelerate to a faster speed. According to Roads.Maryland.gov, "For every 10mph you travel over 60mph, your fuel economy drops by
approximately four miles per gallon." Keeping a consistent speed will save on gas, which in turn will save you money! Additionally, accelerating and breaking too harshly can waste fuel and also wear out brakes, leaving your car less efficient. If road rage has you accelerating past slower-moving vehicles, try slowing down and giving one of these fun custom imprinted tire shape stress relievers a squeeze. It'll reduce your stress and remind you to save gas! 

Inflate Tires

According to Milwaukee's official city Web site, "Improperly inflated tires result in 3-4% higher fuel usage." It's therefore important to remember to keep your tires at a proper inflation level at all times. This will help prevent your tires from wearing out, overheating, and experiencing tread separation. To keep track of your tires' air pressure level, listen for a squeal when rounding corners. If your car does make a noise while turning corners, it might be time to add some air.

Lighten Your Load

Another way to save on gasoline is to avoid transporting heavy cargo around in your vehicle. Especially heavy items, such as bulky athletic equipment, tools, and unnecessary office supplies, can add a significant amount of weight to your car. Carrying an additional 100 lbs. in your car will reduce your MPG by up to 2%. So if your car has recently become a storage unit for your family members' things, it's time to clean out!

As you can see, the choices we make every day affect how much gas we burn through while driving. We realize not everyone can afford a hybrid or electric vehicle, but it's good to know that everybody can save money on gas. If you make these changes, you will spend less money on gas while also having less of a negative impact on our Earth.