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Even if you haven't bought a hybrid, here is a checklist to help your car run more efficiently (and is environmentally-friendly), courtesy of The Daily Green.
Your car probably needs an air filter replacement, as almost one in four cars does. A clean air filter can improve gas mileage by some 12 percent.
When was the last time you checked your tire alignment? Poor alignment causes tires to wear out more quickly, and it also forces your engine to work harder. Aligning your tires can save up to 10 percent on fuel cost.
While youre at the mechanic, you might ask him to give your car a tune-up. A properly maintained engine can improve mileage by up to four percent.
Surprisingly, nearly 17 percent of cars on the road have broken or missing gas caps. Why is this interesting to me? I hear you murmur. Escaping fumes decrease fuel economy, and they also release smog-causing compounds into the air. Avoiding air pollution and improving fuel mileage is as easy as replacing a bad gas cap.
Dont slow down only because youve spied a State Trooper lying in wait behind the next overpass. For every five miles per hour you reduce highway speed, you can reduce fuel consumption by seven percent.
Turn your engine off. Idling engines waste gas and pollute. If you stop your car for more than 30 seconds, turn off the engine.
Remove excess weight from the trunk. By keeping an extra 100 pounds in your car, you reduce an average cars fuel economy by up to two percent.
How do you try to save the world -- and save a few dollars -- when you drive? Let me know here, or email me, at jcurtis@mainstreetconnect.us.
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