Driving Green
Buying green is a good step to reducing the environmental impacts of automobile use. But it doesn’t end there. How you drive your vehicle, whether it’s a brand new luxury sedan, or a certified pre-owned car, how you maintain your vehicle makes a big difference. Here are a few government tips for maintenance (provided by Eco Driving) to help you drive greener.
Keep your tires properly inflated. Tires should be inflated to the pressure recommended for your vehicle; this information is often printed inside the door frame or in your owner’s manual. For every three pounds below recommended pressure, fuel economy goes down by about one percent. Tires can lose about one pound of pressure in a month, so check the air pressure regularly and always before going on a long trip carrying heavy loads. Underinflated tires can also detract from handling, safety, and how long the tires will last.
Buy low-rolling resistance (LRR) replacement tires. Switching to a typical set of replacement tires lowers a vehicle’s fuel economy as much as four percent. LRR tires, on the other hand, are specially designed to improve a vehicle’s fuel economy. Most major tire manufacturers now produce LR models, so when it comes time to replace your tires, seek out a set of LRRs.
Check your own fuel economy every few weeks. If you notice it slipping, it could mean you have a minor problem with the engine or your brakes. Have your vehicle taken in for service . Using this advanced warning, you can fix problems before you have a breakdown on the road.
Get a tune-up. Whether you do it yourself schedule your car to be serviced, a tune-up can increase your fuel economy. Follow owner’s manual guidelines. Be sure to check for warn spark plugs, dragging brakes, and low transmission fluid; have your wheels aligned and tires rotated and replace the air filter if needed. Make sure all used vehicle fluids are recycled or disposed of safely.
Change the oil. In addition to making your car or truck last longer, replacing the oil and oil filter regularly will also help fuel economy. Check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations about how often to change. Ask the service station if they recycle used oil; or if you do it yourself, take your old oil to someplace that does recycle. Ask for recycled oil as a replacement.
Have your vehicle’s emission control system checked periodically. Take it in for service if an instrument panel warning light comes on.
Continue to check the Ray Catena Mercedes-Benz blog frequently for more tips about driving green as well as everything Mercedes-Benz.
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