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Ways to Save Energy with Your Car

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(Numbers indicate order in which each idea was added to website.)

1 Car pool

2 Don’t accelerate so fast 

3  Use Used parts when possible Read More   Read More

4  Use self driving features on autos  Read More

5  Record your trips to analyze the amount you travel

6  Buy a self driving car  Read More

7  Use non-toxic cleaner when washing car  Read More

8  Regularly maintain your vehicle  Read More

9  Crack your car window when parked in the sun in the summer

10 Used car vent fan to exhaust hot air when parked

11 Use professional car wash service instead of washing it yourself  Read More

12 Put a couple hundred thousand miles on your cars

13 Remove excess weight from your car  Read More

14 Rent energy efficient vehicles  Read More

I started doing this several years ago.  I figured that when we travel and have to rent a car we don't really need a big one.  Not only did I conserve fuel but, of course, I saved quite a bit of money.  Then something unexpected occurred.  Since very few people rent the smaller cars many of the car rental companies (I use Enterprise) don't have many small cars.  When I pick up the car I find that I've been upgraded to a larger vehicle at no extra cost.  I'm sure that it depends on where you rent your cars but at my locations it happens 3 out of every 4 times.  I'm not sure how I feel about this.  It's a conundrum.

15 Use bucket when washing car to reduce amount of water used  Read More

16 Use E85 Gas if possible  Read More

17 Use cruise control

18 Make sure your tires are properly inflated  Read More

19 Don’t idle your car and wait for it to cool down

20 Don’t drive aggressively  Read More

21 Brake gently by anticipating stops 

22 Avoid rush hour if you can

23 When getting into a hot car roll down the windows open the sun roof

24 Park in a shady spot

25 Find your sweet spot for mileage

26 If stopping for more than 30 seconds turn off the engine

27 Avoid carrying items on the roof of your car  Read More

28 Don’t use luggage racks

29 When buying a vehicle compare gasoline ratings

30 Buy a hybrid  Read More

31 Get in your car, adjust the mirror and fasten the seat belt, then start the car.

32 Map your route before you get lost

33 Use car wash that recycles the water

34 Have cutoff nozzle on your hose when not using it while washing car

35 Don’t top off tank - it forces fumes into the air

36 Recycle your car when done with it  Read More

37 Check your gas cap to make sure it isn’t cracked 

38 Use right grade of gasoline Read More

39 Purchase radial tires or low rolling tires   Read More

40 Don’t wash your car in the driveway, wash it on the lawn  Read More

41 Recycle motor oil

42 Maintain fuel system in car

43 Periodically check emissions system

44 Maintain the radiator in the car for proper cooling

45 Use ride sharing services

46 Learn to read full economy labels on cars

47 Turn car air conditioning fan to auto  Debate

48 Get a white or light colored car  Read More

49 Buy an electric car  Read More

50 Downsize your vehicle  Read More

51 If your car uses excessive oil get rid of the car or fix it

52 Download a transit app to your phone

53 You use less energy with in car going 60 with windows closed and AC on

54 Scrap car windows of ice manually rather than with defroster

55 Don't wait for car to heat up before leaving

56 a taxi may be greener than Uber or Lyft Read More

57 Be a van pool driver read more

58 Buy an electric bike and more reasons to buy electric car read more

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