Biodiesel, created from vegetable oils including canola, is often blended with petroleum diesel at the pump, and can be burned in any diesel engine. But for those of us who do not have a diesel engine what green alternatives remain? I asked Jody Victorto give us some tricks to save some money at the pump.
Jody Victor: Easy on the Throttle. The single most important technique to make your existing car more efficient is speed, or lack of it. In the city, avoid jackrabbit starts and lead-footed stops - this kills your fuel economy as well as your brakes. On the highway wind resistance is your enemy, and the faster you go the tougher the battle.
Trading Pounds for Gallons. Lighter cars get better fuel economy. But before you try cutting out your car's seats, do the easy stuff first. Jettison the sandbags, golf clubs, and phonebooks from the trunk (keep your spare!). An unused roof rack also creates unnecessary drag. Also, don't waste your gas dollars driving to stores that are closed, or getting lost on the way. Map out routes beforehand, call ahead or check hours online, use a GPS system, and combine trips to drive fewer total miles.
Sun Block. Smart solutions are sometimes the simplest. Sun reflectors will keep cabin temperature down while the car is parked, easing the load on the AC when you return. Research has also found that extreme summer heat can cause more air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds to be released from upholstery, plastics and other components, so reflecting the sun can be good for your health, too.
Tune-Up. A clean-running engine will not only use less fuel, but will pump fewer emissions out the tailpipe. Take your car for its regular maintenance and oil changes. High-quality synthetic oil of the right grade can prolong the life of an engine and help it get better fuel economy as well. Rotating tires at designated intervals will keep them wearing evenly and lasting longer.
High-MPG Tires. Another no-brainer is tire inflation. Keeping your car's tires at the maximum recommended pressure (printed in the owner's manual) will help maintain your optimal MPG and tire life.
Solarize Your Roof. Solar Electric Vehicles manufactures solar panel systems that can be installed on the roof of your hybrid. Gathering sunlight and converting it into electricity, the panel lets a hybrid run for up to 20 miles perday in pure electric mode.
Plug It In. Conversion kits are here! By adding a beefed-up battery pack and some extra computing power, a Prius or Escape Hybrid can be plugged into a home socket. Fully charged, they will run on electric power alone for up to 40 miles.
The Un-Car. The ultimate green car upgrade might be no car at all (or at least not driving the one you have). Car-sharing companies such as Zipcar let you have a car only when you need one. Pay by the month, sign up onling, swipe your card and off you go. Gas, insurance, and air fresheners are already taken care of.
Thanks, Jody! Great ideas to check out!