Maintaining Your Car with the Environment in Mind

In order to get the greatest efficiency from your vehicle, the engine must work at its highest capabilities while using the least possible fuel. Fortunately there are ways to extend your vehicle's life span that are environmentally friendly and may even save you money.

It's important to perform the small duties that are part of keeping your automobile well maintained. For example, make sure you are measuring the pressure in your tires on a regular basis. This benefits you in two ways. Optimally inflated tires cause your car to use as much as 15 percent less fuel, and your tires are expected to last longer as well.

Oil changes are another regular task involved in the care and maintenance of your car. Make sure you change the oil every 3,000 miles or so. It may be necessary to do oil changes more frequently, especially if you are a city driver or your vehicle is used for towing purposes. Cars driven in areas with excess sand or dust may also need more frequent oil changes.

Don't underestimate the importance of this task. If you don't change the oil as regularly as you should there can be serious degradation of your engine. Also, you will burn more gas. This leads to more polluting toxins being released into the air and more consumption of non-renewable oil which is the opposite of what is needed.

Windshield wipers should be replaced when they become worn. If you allow the rubber to wear out the wipers will be less effective and may even cause scratches to your windshield glass. Also keep your windshield wiper fluid tank full so you can easily clean dirt and bird droppings from your line of sight when necessary.

Another important issue when it comes to being eco-friendly while caring for your car is water conservation. The way you wash your car is as important as how you maintain it, especially when it comes to the well-being of the Earth. Prior to washing your vehicle, check with your local government water company to find out if there are restrictions on water use. The restriction of vehicle washing is one of the first things done when areas experience severe dry climates or droughts.

Where you wash your car is important. Choose a flat, grassy area instead of your driveway to avoid grease, dirt and other pollutants from reaching out storm drains and someday contaminating our rivers and oceans. When choosing detergent, go for an Earth-friendly biodegradable soap for vehicle washing. This won't harm the grass or the water. To take it to the next level of eco-consciousness choose a cleanser that is phosphate free which are substances like those in artificial fertilizer.

Although many manufacturers make products containing phosphates there is good news on the horizon. Many manufacturers are coming out with phosphate free products that are harmless to the environment and get the job done. Also, on the state level lawmakers are working to ban the use of these substances in household products. The Washington Post ran a story in 2008 about the state of Virginia and their efforts to reduce and/or eliminate phosphates in household products by the year 2010.

Another thing you should be aware of are the methods used to wash your car. Utilizing a water hose takes more water than choosing the bucket and sponge method. It's estimated four times more water is wasted when you use a hose to wash your car. If you really want to save, use gray water to wash your car. Gray water can be collected from your sink and re-used. For a buff, shiny finish use a simple chamois and a circular technique.

Maintaining and detailing your car in such ways doesn't just extend car life and slash fuel and water costs, it also helps our planet.

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Maintaining Your Car with the Environment in Mind

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