Climate Change/Mitigation Strategies/Transport
There are many alternatives to automobile transport. For example, you can walk, bike, or take public transit whenever possible. Don't idle your vehicle. Carpool. Take the bus or train instead of driving long distances. Fill up your tires - improves mileage. Buy a gas-electric hybrid (it never needs to be plugged in), or a diesel.
Automobile Maintenance for a Greener Ride
edit- Maintain your car properly
- Clean your air system by periodically replacing your car's air filter
- Clean your throttle body/air intake with a strong auto detergent like SeaFoam, STP Throttle body/Air Intake cleaner (1/2 hr job for a person new to cars). Remember to get the right spray can, ask the manager of the store. If you have a fuel injected car, using the carburated cleaner can cause unpleasant surprise.
- Clean your fuel system by using a fuel system cleaner like Techron, Amsoil's PI
- Use synthetics for your engine oil, transmission, power steering etc. I recommend Amsoil products as they last much much longer than any well known brands like Castrol. For the typical car (with automatic transmission) use of Series 2000 0W-30 for engine oil, ATF for transmission and power steering. Ask Amsoil technical support for help.
- Keep tires inflated. Under-inflated tires reduce gas passage.
- Do tire rotation, balancing and alignment regularly as prescribed in user's manual. This will increase lifetime or tire which are rarely restored or recycled and most likely burnt.
- Do oil changes promptly. Clean oil reduces carbon dioxide emission. Change oil as prescribed in car user's manual, not every 3,000 miles as recommended by oil changing services.
- If you're in the market for a new car anyway, consider getting a car with an order of magnitude better mileage.
- Drive less:
- Designate one day each week as a car-free day.
- If possible, consider one car-free weekend each month.
- Share ride to work with colleges. Carpool lines are also faster during traffic time.