How to “Green” Your Car

Things You Can Do Now To Make Your Ride More Eco-Friendly

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Is this actually possible? While yes, there is a huge push for EVs, realistically speaking, not that everyone can afford them. The initial cost of EVs, at least at this time, is very expensive. The car market, including secondhand vehicles, is very expensive at the moment, so not everyone has the luxury of just getting up, going to their local dealer and buying a new EV or even a new car that isn’t a gas guzzler.

Even though you might not be able to afford something new that’s more eco-friendly, you don’t have to instantly think that all hope is lost, especially if you’re passionate about the environment and truly want to make a difference.

By all means, it’s definitely possible to keep your current car and make some modifications here and there (that don’t necessarily have to break the bank) to make it more environmentally friendly. Yes, it’s 100% possible. Here’s everything you need to know!

Is It More Eco-Friendly to Just Buy a New Vehicle?

When it comes to choosing between buying a new ride or sticking with your trusty old car and making it more eco-friendly, there’s a lot to consider. While it might seem like trading up to a shiny new vehicle is the greenest option, it’s not always that simple. In general, when it comes to being more eco-friendly, a lot of people instantly think about trashing something and immediately purchasing something else that’s labeled eco-friendly. But that behavior and that idea are both far from eco-friendly!

Think about all the resources that go into making a new car—from mining metals to manufacturing parts and shipping them around the world. It adds up, leaving a hefty carbon footprint. On the other hand, if you put some love into your current wheels—maybe add some upgrades to boost fuel efficiency and reduce emissions—you’re not only extending its life but also minimizing the need for new stuff. It’s like giving your car a second chance to do better for the planet—and that’s pretty eco-friendly!

It All Starts with Regular Maintenance and Tuning

Taking care of your car is like taking care of yourself—it needs regular TLC to stay healthy and perform at its best. So, at first glance, you might be thinking, “How is maintenance going to make a car more eco-friendly?” Well, it’s not just about longevity, which it is technically tied to.

It can go beyond that. Sometimes, cars are actually emitting more fumes than they should, and there are modifications to put that to a halt. The same goes for gas guzzlers. Sometimes, all you need is good maintenance to really put a stop to that. But these aren’t the only things. Here are some simple ways to keep your car running smoothly while being kinder to the environment:

Scheduled Servicing

This pretty much ties into what was said above. Just like you schedule doctor’s appointments, your car needs regular check-ups, too. Stick to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule for oil changes, filter replacements, and other routine maintenance tasks. A well-maintained engine runs happier and cleaner, emitting fewer pollutants into the air.

Making Modifications

When you think of car modifications, what instantly comes to mind? Do you only think about aesthetic modifications, basically only what’s on the outside, and to a lesser degree, the interior? Do you ever think about how something runs? Did you know you can modify your car to make it more eco-friendly? This even goes for diesel-fueled vehicles. You may be surprised to learn that you can even modify these to make them more sustainable.

For example, consider adding some green upgrades like emissions control devices, such as diesel particulate filters or even selective catalytic reduction systems if your car isn’t equipped with them. These nifty gadgets can help slash harmful emissions from your tailpipe. You could even look into what Fleece Performance offers, such as equipment and accessories for your diesel vehicle because there might be a chance that you need a replacement on some component. Changing up old components could be a simple solution to polluting less.

In general, with the right tweaks, you can expect a better vehicle that’s safer for the environment.

Maybe a Tune-Up?

This goes hand in hand with scheduled serving for your car. If you’re taking your car to a trusted mechanic for a tune-up, it can work wonders for its performance and emissions. In general, small adjustments like tweaking the ignition timing and fuel mixture can help your engine burn fuel more efficiently, reducing its environmental footprint.

Air Filter Love

Your car’s air filter is like its lungs—it needs to breathe clean air to function properly. So you’ll need to keep it happy by checking and replacing it regularly. But it’s not only about the health of your car (which is important enough); a dirty filter can restrict airflow to the engine, making it work harder and guzzle more fuel. Show your car some love by giving it a breath of fresh air now and then.

Think About Aerodynamics

Now, this is something that a lot of people have no idea about, but yes, aerodynamics do have an impact on your car’s fuel efficiency! Yep, you read that right! Now, this does sound like it’s complicated, but it’s actually not!

Add Some Streamlining

This one might be expensive, and there are some debates on whether this alone is eco-friendly. So before you buy anything, do some thorough research. Potentials like aerodynamic body kits, wheel covers, side mirror design, and even underbody panels can all have an impact. But again, these can be expensive.

Don’t Have a Roof Rack

If you have a roof rack, just go ahead and remove it. This adds weight and interrupts airflow, which makes the car use more fuel.

Keep Your Windows Up

Isn’t it more eco-friendly to have the windows down on a hot day than to use the AC in your car? Well, you’re using a bit less fuel to run the AC, but your car is less aerodynamic, which reduces fuel economy. Sure, cruising with the windows down on a sunny day feels great, but it’s also creating more drag and making your engine work harder. At higher speeds, the drag from open windows can significantly reduce fuel efficiency.  So that’s why you’re better off just keeping the windows up and the open road.

Your Tires Matter

Choosing the right tires and keeping them in good shape is like putting the right shoes on your feet—it can make a big difference in how it performs and how eco-friendly it is. Whatever tires you have, you should try to take care of them and keep them as long as possible. There’s already a global waste problem with rubber as it is. But it starts with the purchase.

Fuel Efficient Tires

Just like some shoes are better for running marathons than others, some tires are better for saving fuel. You should try to keep your tires for as long as possible, but when it’s time for new tires, you can try and look for tires with low rolling resistance—they’re designed to minimize the energy lost as the tire rolls, which means your car doesn’t have to work as hard to move forward. This alone makes your ride greener.

Tire Maintenance

This deserves to be hammered down 100% because there’s is so much truth. You can’t be eco-friendly if you’re not willing to put in the work for maintenance. No car, even an EV, can be fully eco-friendly without maintenance. Try to see it like this: your tires are the only thing between you and the road, so it’s important to take care of them.

There’s a lot you need to understand, starting with tire pressure, especially since under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance, which means your engine has to work harder and burn more fuel. Don’t forget about regular tire rotations and alignment checks—they help ensure even wear and tear, which can extend the life of your tires and improve fuel efficiency.

The Weight of the Tire

Believe it or not, your choice of tires can have a big impact on your car’s fuel economy and emissions. For example, larger, heavier tires create more rolling resistance, which means your engine has to work harder to move the car.

Is It Worth It in the End?

Regardless, you’ll probably have to spend some money here and there to make sure that your car is more environmentally friendly than it was. At the end of the day, it’s all about making improvements where possible. Plus, just keeping your car and not letting it rust away is already pretty eco-friendly! Just using what you have, taking care of it and making positive modifications (not just with cars but anything) is truly the best way to go. You’re being incredibly sustainable by doing this.