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January 2008
Green Auto #8
No, we’re not talking about buying a car/truck that has a green hue, we’re talking about trying to make sure your second largest purchase can save you money and help the environment.
Your route.
I think that sometime way back in 2007 I mentioned this, but it still rings true. If you are going out for a day of chores, plan your trips out on paper. Don’t go from your house in Shadowwood to visit your friend in Oakwood Estates, then come back to Walmart to get some groceries, then go over to Joe Bucks to get some coffee, back to Lowes for a hammer.
Make the map, do them in a logical order so you can make one big circle.
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Green Auto #7
No, we’re not talking about buying a car/truck that has a green hue, we’re talking about trying to make sure your second largest purchase can save you money and help the environment.
Engine Warm Ups.
Todays cars and so well made that the engines do not need time to warm up. By warm up, back in the 70’s it was encouraged to allow your car to run a few minutes to allow oil to circulate and thus, save on your engine’s wear. Really, that is what I found out. Now a days, we do it mostly to make sure the car is warmed us on a cold day. The polimer-science of Castrol and synthetic oils do a great job.
You can either throw on a jacket or get your next car with heated seats. My new car has them, so you can crank up the car and hit the road.
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Green Auto #6
No, we’re not talking about buying a car/truck that has a green hue, we’re talking about trying to make sure your second largest purchase can save you money and help the environment.
Speed.
A week or so ago we mentioned the cruise control as being a big help in saving gas. Well, as much as I personally hate to say this, your speed also makes a difference. You get better mileage at 55 than you do 75. Again, its just a fact. I know we live in a society where we make plans to be in Tyler at 6 and leave Marshall at 5:15. Maybe just a little more planning and we’ll all save a few bucks.
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Green Auto #5
No, we’re not talking about buying a car/truck that has a green hue, we’re talking about trying to make sure your second largest purchase can save you money and help the environment.
Maintenance.
I was rereading a lot of the Green Auto posts, and they seem so ‘common sense’, but you would be surprised hom many folks do not perscribe to some of these very simple steps. Your car is your second largest investment in most cases. Protect it. Change the oil, get the sir filters changed. Don’t haul around extra stuff that fills your trunk (so you don’t carry the extra weight).
I know, “duh”.
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Green Auto #4
No, we’re not talking about buying a car/truck that has a green hue, we’re talking about trying to make sure your second largest purchase can save you money and help the environment.
Aerodynamics.
Today’s automotive engineers are usually up to date on the best science. Cars, like the Prius, are made to maximize the outer forces on your car. If you’re roof rack is removable, then remove it because it is creating drag on your car. Same can be said for that bike rack. If its not in use, take it off, its only costing you.
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Green Auto #3
No, we’re not talking about buying a car/truck that has a green hue, we’re talking about trying to make sure your second largest purchase can save you money and help the environment.
Engine Idling.
This one is quick and easy. If you are going to be idling for more than three minutes, shut off the car. Obviously if you are at a WAAAAYYYY long traffic light, don’t shut off your car, but it a friend is just “running into” Kroger and they take more than the time of one song on the radio, shut the car off.
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Green Auto #2
No, we’re not talking about buying a car/truck that has a green hue, we’re talking about trying to make sure your second largest purchase can save you money and help the environment.
Cruise Control
A constant speed will save you gas. It is 100% proven. While we are not endorsing speeding, a car going 75 miles per hour the entire way to Dallas will get significantly better mileage than that same car coming back from Dallas going 85 mph for a while, then slowing down to 55 mph. Use the cruise control. Its an added feature that comes on most cars, so you might as well use it.
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Green Auto #1
No, we’re not talking about buying a car/truck that has a green hue, we’re talking about trying to make sure your second largest purchase can save you money and help the environment.
Four Wheel Drive.
How many east Texasn have four wheel drive trucks? How many have to bear the rugged terrain of Duncan Edition and use that four wheel drive. I shudder to think that some overgrowth might go into the nicely paved streets!
If you get a new car, get the smallest engine that you can get away with. Not only will you save money, but you will be helping the environment.
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