As eco-consciousness starts to become more and more important, so does the responsibility we have to our environment. We can't all be driving around in electric cars, but that doesn't mean there isn't anything we can do when it comes to keeping the environment clean, green, and healthy.
Whether you're trying to save resources or just help reduce your carbon footprint, here are five easy ways you can make your old car a bit more eco-friendly. But first, let’s weigh your options.
Weigh In Your Options
Sometimes, going green can cost you more than simply selling your old car, so you need to weigh in your options. There are plenty of affordable ways to decrease the pollution your car makes, but you can always find businesses that will buy out your old car.
If you're looking to get rid of your used car, a local junkyard that will give you a good quote and preferably tow the car from your driveway is often a great option. For instance, if you live in Philadelphia or the surrounding areas, make sure you look for the best junk yards in Philadelphia where you can sell your car for a good price. Not only you'll get a good amount of cash for your junk car, but you'll also get a clear driveway fairly quickly.
But if you’re determined to keep your car up and running, there are a few other ways you can go about it. Consider implementing the following tips as soon as possible.
Switch to Low-Emitting Tires
Low-emitting tires produce fewer chemicals, both while they are being used and when eventually disposed of. Not only can these tires help you reduce emissions from your vehicle, but you'll also get better gas mileage since they're designed for less resistance. You may also be eligible for a tax break or money-back incentive for switching to this type of tire.
Making sure your car has low-emitting tires is an easy way to drastically cut down on its environmental impact with little effort on your part.
Use a Fuel Additive to Reduce Emissions
Fuel additives are designed to improve the efficiency of a car's combustion system, meaning that the emissions produced by your vehicle are significantly less than they would be without it. Not only will you benefit from reduced emissions, but you'll also have better fuel economy too.
You can find fuel additives at most auto parts stores, so take the plunge and start enjoying the environmental and economic benefits of reducing your car's pollution levels.
Get a Tune-up for Your Engine
Keeping your vehicle properly tuned is an essential step for living more eco-friendly. Regular tune-ups keep your engine running efficiently and lower emissions, decreasing your carbon footprint and keeping the environment clean. Furthermore, a well-maintained engine gets maximum fuel economy and can save you money in the long run. Take the time to get a tune-up for your engine, so you can do your part to help protect our planet.
Install a Catalytic Converter
Installing a catalytic converter in your old car is an easy and effective way to reduce pollution. Catalytic converters work to reduce carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and hydrocarbons emitted from vehicles. This reduces harmful emissions that are released into the atmosphere and can help decrease air pollution in our airways.
It's also important to note that installing a catalytic converter may increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and save you money on fuel over time. If you're looking for an economical and effective way to make your old car greener, consider investing in a catalytic converter.
Drive Less Often or Carpool When Possible
We all know that the most effective way to reduce our environmental impact from car use is to drive less. Driving less often, or even better, carpooling whenever possible, are easy and accessible steps to take towards making your old car more eco-friendly.
A great way to accomplish this is by planning out trips ahead of time so you can combine errands and necessities into fewer trips. Even if you do need to make several short trips, invite a friend along and split the cost of gas.
Carpooling does more than just decrease the number of cars on the road; it's also a great way to connect with those around us and save money, in addition to reducing emissions from our beloved old vehicles.
Bottom Line
You don’t have to buy a new, more environmentally friendly car to make a difference. If your old vehicle is still running, there are many alterations you can do to help the environment. By following these six tips, you will be on your way to reducing your carbon footprint and helping the planet.