Inflate your tires
Why This is Green
Routinely checking the air pressure in your tires and inflating them requires minimal effort, but can have real impact on reducing energy consumption and exhaust emissions.
When your tires are properly inflated, they are rounder—requiring less energy to keep them in motion. According to the Department of Energy, properly inflating your tires can improve your car’s fuel economy by up to 3.3 percent. This can save up 144 gallons of gasoline per year for the average motorist, which translates into 4.5 billion barrels of oil a year. But only if all Americans maintain proper tire pressure; AAA recommends checking it one to two times a month, FYI. Put it on your to do list now. Properly inflated tires are good for your wallet, too; they’re also safer and last longer.
Replacing clogged air filters may further improve fuel economy, but only if you have an older car with a carbureted engine. Most cars on the road since the early 1980s have fuel-injected, computer-controlled gasoline engines. Replacing clogged filters in these can improve acceleration time.
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How To
Determine the correct pressure for your tires. This can be found on your driver’s side door, in the owner’s manual, or by contacting the manufacturer.
For an accurate reading use an air pressure gauge when your car has been stationary for three hours and the tires are cold.
If you own an air compressor, inflate your tires at home. Otherwise fill up at the gas station. If you’re not comfortable inflating your tires, ask for help.
