Nowadays, more and more car owners are looking for ways they can reduce their carbon footprint. It’s no secret that the automotive industry is making moves towards greener options, such as electric and hybrid vehicles. Luckily, there are a number of smaller changes to make that can drastically reduce the environmental impact of a vehicle. From car care to driving techniques to routine maintenance work, car owners can improve their sustainability by altering their habits and seeking the professional expertise of an auto mechanic.
Here’s a closer look at some simple ways to improve a vehicle’s sustainability!
Car Owners Should Keep Tires Inflated
Maintaining the correct tire pressure is one of the most important steps to boosting a vehicle’s fuel economy. When tires are under-inflated, the resistance increases and the engine has to work harder to move the vehicle along. As a result, the vehicle burns more fuel. By keeping the tires properly inflated, drivers can not only improve their gas mileage but also increase the lifespan of their tires. Generally, the tire pressure should be checked every month, depending on how frequently the vehicle is used. Professionals with auto service training should be able to advise drivers on the optimal pressure for their tires.
Pay Attention to the Weight
It’s no surprise that the more your car weighs, the harder the engine has to work. Once again, this results in higher fuel consumption. To improve the vehicle’s fuel economy, it’s worth shedding any excess weight stored inside the vehicle. Consistently carrying heavy loads in the trunk of the car can result in a significant increase in fuel use over thousands of miles. Not to mention, the extra weight of a roof rack installed on some vehicles can cause a steady spike in fuel consumption. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to remove roof racks and any unnecessary equipment when they’re not in use.
Filling up Fuel
As professionals in auto mechanic careers will know, there is a correct method to filling up the fuel tank of a car. To improve the carbon footprint of a vehicle, it’s important to refrain from overfilling the fuel tank. By topping off the tank with extra fuel after the pump stops, any harmful fuel vapours are more likely to leave the tank and release into the air. Fortunately, many modern cars come equipped with an emissions canister to prevent fuel vapours from leaking into the air. Overfilling the fuel tank risks liquid fuel getting into the canister and reducing its effectiveness. There’s also a chance of the fuel spilling out of the tank and contaminating the atmosphere. To encourage sustainable practices, it’s a good idea to fill the tank until the pump stops and screw the fuel cap tightly to prevent any vapour leaks.
Routine Maintenance from Professionals in Auto Mechanic Careers
One of the best ways to improve vehicle sustainability and performance is getting routine check-ups from a professional auto mechanic. With regular inspections and maintenance work, a mechanic can improve a vehicle’s longevity, reliability, and fuel economy. Faulty spark plugs or oxygen sensors are examples of common damages that can lead to incomplete or inefficient fuel economy if left untreated. Likewise, oil that is left unchanged can become viscous over time and create greater resistance in the engine. Regular maintenance services can help a vehicle run more smoothly, efficiently, and sustainably.
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