Earth friendly auto tips
Previous years marked a turning point in which Earth-friendly alternative-fuel and hybrid autos gained significant attention and an rising market share. On top of that, the AAA Great Battery Roundup collected far more than 20,000 used vehicle batteries and disposed of them in an environmentally sound manner.
But you don't have to have old batteries lying around or buy a distinct automobile to shield the environment. Based on AAA spokesman Michael Calkins, you'll be able to make a meaningful contribution by adopting two easy-to-implement techniques: typical car maintenance and much better driving habits.
The following guidelines can place you on the road to environmentally conscious automobile care.
* Maintain your engine running at peak efficiency so that you can conserve fuel. Perform standard car upkeep in the intervals advised by your vehicle's manufacturer. Seek timely service if the "check engine" warning light remains illuminated on the dash.
To find a trustworthy repair facility, ask pals for recommendations or search on www.aaa.com for AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities close to you.
* Examine the air pressure inside your car's tires often. Underinflated tires need your engine to operate harder and use far more fuel to sustain a offered speed.
* Have your vehicle's air conditioning serviced only by technicians who are certified to appropriately take care of and recycle automotive refrigerants. Older air conditioning systems include ozone-depleting chemicals that may be released into the atmosphere.
* Some older vehicles use switches that contain highly toxic mercury to activate hood, trunk and glove-box lights. Many organizations, which includes several AAA clubs across the nation, now host mercury "switch out" programs in which these environmentally hazardous components are removed for recycling and replaced with nontoxic mechanical switches.
* Steer clear of "jack rabbit" starts, sudden acceleration and speeds above the posted limits; all of these habits guzzle gas.
* Properly dispose of engine fluids and batteries. Call your local government waste management agency to locate out how. Never dispose of fluids on the ground or in any manner that may allow them to create their way into groundwater, lakes or streams.
Proper automobile maintenance and environmentally friendly driving habits conserve organic resources, reduce exhaust emissions and reward you using a car which will final longer and be safer to drive. In other words, if you "go green," the Earth wins, your automobile wins -- and also you are the biggest winner of all!