How Drivers Can Contribute To Earth Day - Valley Mechanics Offer Year-Round Eco-Friendly Tips

PHOENIX - April 10, 2023 - PRLog -- Transportation – from cars and trucks to planes and trains –account for 27% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/fast-facts-transportation-greenhouse-gas-emissions). Cars and trucks are responsible for 83% of greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to carbon dioxide created by burning fuel, vehicles also produce methane and nitrous oxide from tailpipes and hydrofluorocarbon emissions from leaking air conditioners.

In recognition of Earth Day (April 22), your Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO) are sharing ways owners of gas-powered vehicles can help the environment.

Filling Up

• Emissions created by the burning of gasoline contribute to climate issues.
• Check your gas cap for damage. According to the Car Care Council, about 17% of vehicles on the road have loose, damaged or missing caps, causing 147 million gallons to vaporize every year.
• Topping off your tank can also send harmful vapors into the environment.
• During the summer, pump gas during cooler morning and evening hours to avoid fuel evaporation.

Drive Green

• Avoid sudden speeding and starts and stops to maximize your mileage and decrease wear and tear on your car.  The U.S. Department of Energy says aggressive driving can lower your mileage by 15 to 30 % at highway speeds and 10 to 40% in stop-and-go traffic. (https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.jsp)
• If you're going to stop for a while, put your car in park to avoid idling. Idling longer than 30 seconds wastes fuel.
• Lighten the load. Get the junk out of the trunk to save gas.
• Combine errands to save gas – and enjoy the time you save making one trip instead of two or three.

Regular Care

• Routine maintenance can lower your gas consumption. Having clean air filters will help your car pollute less and burn less gas.
• The U.S. Department of Energy says fixing a serious problem like a faulty oxygen sensor can improve mileage up to 40%. (https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/fuel-economy)
• Leaking air conditioners release hydrofluorocarbon emissions, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says have a higher global warming potential then carbon dioxide from fuel. (https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/greenhouse-gas-emissions-typical-passenger-vehicle)
• Keep tires properly inflated and aligned to avoid overworking the engine. The U.S. Department of Energy says keeping tires properly inflated (https://fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.jsp) can improve gas mileage by up to 3%. Inflate to the pressure listed in the owner's manual or on a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb. The number may differ from the maximum pressure listed on the tire's sidewall.
• If you do your own repairs, be sure to properly dispose of engine fluids and batteries. Contact your city for hazardous material drop off and recycling information.

NARPRO (Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals)

The Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO) helps car owners find skilled and honest car repair shops. NARPRO only recommends independent, family-owned, full-service auto repair shops that have passed 26 rigorous tests. Visit www.NARPRO.com to find recommended shops near work or home. NARPRO is the easiest way to find an honest mechanic in the Valley.