8 tips to become a green driver

As 2020 comes to an end, we also come to the end of the UN Decade on Biodiversity. Sustainability in the automotive industry is essential to protecting our planet, and we can all do our part to advance global environmental efforts. Eco-friendly driving practices can also help you save money on gas and stay safe on the road. Here's a closer look at eight easy ways to become a more resilient driver.

Avoid Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving style can significantly reduce fuel consumption. This includes hard acceleration, speeding, and hard braking. While many drivers find that speeding improves fuel economy, the efficiency of most vehicles decreases when driving at speeds above 50-60 mph. According to the US Department of Energy, aggressive driving can reduce fuel economy by up to 40%. Adopting more sustainable driving habits can help you stay safer on the road while benefiting your wallet and the environment.  

Watch out for low tire pressure

Tire pressure is important to control all year round, but this task becomes especially important during the colder months. Cold weather compresses the air in your tires, which can quickly lead to low tire pressure. Have you ever ridden a bike with flat tires? This consumes much more energy than when running with properly inflated tires. The same logic applies to your tires - your car will use more fuel without adequate tire pressure. Flat tires also affect tire protection and vehicle handling. Tire pressure is easy to check and maintain on your own. You can also get a free tire pressure check and refill when you change your oil at Chapel Hill Tire Center.

Service repair and operation

Your vehicle requires a variety of maintenance procedures to stay efficient and protected. Using these services will help you avoid bad fuel economy. Popular vehicle efficiency services include regular oil changes, fluid flushes, and air filter replacements. 

Strategic driving

Traffic jams in traffic jams are not only annoying, but also reduce fuel consumption. Strategic commuting planning can save you time, money, and trouble by helping you become a greener driver. Here are some examples of strategic commuting:

• Use responsive GPS apps to get directions around any accidents or traffic jams.
• If possible, ask your job if you can arrive and leave early to avoid rush hour.
• Whenever possible, run your orders during periods of low traffic.

Fuel efficient tire tread

The tread of the tire is responsible for traction, providing the grip needed to accelerate, steer and stop the car. More grip also means more road resistance, which can significantly increase fuel consumption. Fuel-efficient tires are manufactured with a tread pattern designed for low rolling resistance. The next time you need new tires, you can explore the performance specs of all the tires available for your vehicle to find the one that best suits your needs.

lighten the load

If you tend to leave heavy loads in your car, it can be easy to forget the impact of extra weight on fuel economy. The weight of your load can increase inertia (road resistance), which makes your car work harder on your commute. AutoSmart data shows that removing just 22 pounds of cargo from your car can save you about $104 in gas a year. Anything you can do to lighten the burden on your car will help you cut emissions. Consider unloading any sports equipment, work equipment, or other cargo when not in use. You can also lighten this burden by removing your bike or universal rack from your trailer hitch during the colder months. 

Car sharing while commuting

While this may be the oldest solution in the book, it is also one of the most effective: car sharing. If you have the ability to drive to school or work, you can reduce traffic and reduce overall emissions. To promote this sustainable transportation, many states are starting to introduce car-sharing lanes that are off-limits to solo drivers. So, you can get to work faster if you engage in this eco-friendly practice. 

Visit an eco-friendly mechanic

Being sustainable in the automotive industry can be tricky; however, partnering with the right experts can make this task easier. Look for a car care professional who specializes in sustainability. For example, you can visit an expert who offers lead-free wheels, hybrid car rentals and EFO (environmentally friendly oil) replacements. These types of mechanics also often specialize in maintaining environmentally friendly vehicles. 

Eco-friendly car care | Chapel Hill Sheena

Chapel Hill Tire was the first mechanic in the Triangle to offer environmentally friendly oil changes and lead-free wheel weights. We are constantly adapting to meet the highest standards in automotive sustainability. Chapel Hill Tire experts are ready to provide you with all the services you need to be a sustainable driver. We proudly serve drivers throughout the Great Triangle at our nine service centers, including Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Carrborough and Chapel Hill. Book your appointment here online today!

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