You’ve taken the first step with your decision to be eco-friendly with your car by getting better gas mileage and lower emissions. There are ways to keep your maintenance green also.
“A well maintained car is, well, a greener car. Studies have shown that a properly maintained vehicle can get as much as 20% better gas mileage. Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended service intervals. When that oxygen sensor needs replacing, replace it. Car out of alignment? That can have an impact on your gas mileage. Get it taken care of. Check the air pressure of your tires on a regular basis,” said Bob Leonard, CEO, Green Automotive Alliance, LLC. www.earthgarage.com
When you are getting ready to change your oil. You may want to consider using eco-friendly oils. Auto Be Green carries a line of products made from American grown base oils combined with nanotechnology, Green Earth G-Oil, exceeds manufacturers’ specs that allows for maximum oil change intervals. Even the bottles are eco-friendly being 100% recyclable with labels printed on recycled paper using water based inks. Green Earth G-OIL® is compatible with all other motor oils. Leonard said, “G-Oil Motor Oil is the first bio-based motor oil. It’s approved by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and performs like a full synthetic. G-Oil is made in the U.S.A. and is non-toxic, biodegradable and renewable. Plus, it has a carbon footprint two-thirds lower than conventional oil.” Prices per quart start at $4.99.
The microGreenTM oil filter offers 2 Filters in 1 system keeping oil cleaner, longer and the patented microfilter captures particles down to 2 microns. “The microGreen Oil Filter is a game changer Its patented technology keeps oil cleaner and longer, extending the range of oil changes to 30,000 miles. This means less oil and filters. You save on oil changes,” noted Leonard. The microGreenTM oil filter has 65-70% reduction in oil maintenance costs with a potential for up to 5% improvement in fuel efficiency, 70% reduction in oil use and 50% reduction in filter use. Prices start at $14.99.
When it comes to keeping the interior clean, the Eco Essential Carpet 4 Piece Mat Set keeps debris from getting into your car’s original carpet. The set is made from 100% recycled, all-weather materials. The driver’s mat features a large padded heel pad for added comfort and durability. The anti-skid nib backing ensures the mats stay put. Help the environment, while protecting your car. Includes 2 front and 2 rear mats. Available at Kraco in Black, Grey or Tan. Prices start at $19.99.
It is important to be able to see out your windshield whether it is raining or snowing. Tripledge wiper blades are eco-friendly and made from silicone. Unlike organic rubber used in conventional wipers, silicone is a natural earth material – it’s inorganic and inert. Silicone won’t break down even after years of exposure to harsh conditions. So, silicone blades retain their functional qualities from -100° F to 350° F while offering superior wipe quality. Silicone naturally resists ozone, UV rays, road grime, automotive fluids and other solvents. When maintained properly, they can last as long as 3-5 years. That’s at least 6 times longer that a traditional wiper rubber replacement. This means 18 less wiper blades dumped into our landfills over 5 years (assumes replacing 2 wipers every 6 months), less shipping and even reduced packaging. Prices start at $3.99.
Tires themselves can also make your car greener. Tire maintenance is an easy way to make your car run more efficiently. Properly inflated tires can raise your gas mileage. Inflating your tires with 100% nitrogen will maintain proper pressure for longer. Low rolling resistance tires reduce the friction on the road, reducing the amount of fuel used. The combination of new tires and proper tire maintenance could significantly increase your gas mileage.
PFC Carbon Metallic brake pads are copper free. Leonard indicated that copper in conventional brakes pads wear off in the form of brake dust every time you step on the brakes. This winds up in our waterways and has been linked to pollution that effects fish and other sea life.
The Earthgarage Alliance (EA) is focused on establishing a protocol for garages across the United States to use green products in their services and repairs. Per Leonard, The program recognizes and documents practices that are currently legally required and raises the bar with additional steps to enhance the environmental operations of a typical repair shop. Repair facilities that meet EA standards are officially recognized as member of the Earthgarage Alliance.
