Go Go Green Cars

As more and more people are becoming aware that we need to do what we can to improve our environment. We have seen an increase in hybrid vehicles and alternative fuel is becoming more available. Bio-diesel is becoming a popular choice for substitution of petroleum fuels used in diesel engines.

Bio-diesel is the common name for fatty acid alkyl esters, which is a biological based fuel for diesel engines. It can be made from several different things including, animal fats, virgin vegetable oil or algae. It can also come from recycled oils from deep fryers used by restaurants.

Bio-diesel is eco-friendly and burns cleaner than fossil fuel. It also produces less carbon monoxide and soot than regular diesel fuel. On the other hand, it does release more nitrous oxide than regular diesel, which is a factor that causes smog.

Bio-diesel is what is referred to as a carbon neutral fuel. This means even though it releases carbon dioxide, it is the same type of carbon absorbed by plants or animal source it was produced from. Fossil fuels, which traditional diesel fuels are made from release carbon dioxide that could remain trapped below the earth’s surface instead of polluting the atmosphere.

Diesel engines also have the ability to run on straight vegetable oil or SVO. However modifications are required to the diesel engine. Vegetable oil is thicker than conventional fuel and needs to be heated before it can flow properly. A conversion system is needed to the heat the vegetable oil to the appropriate temperature before it can be burned in the engine.

Alternative fuels are the wave of the future. Everyday new technology and advances are being made to make more environmentally friendly fuels for vehicles. This means that as progress is made the availability will increase and the prices will decrease. This is good news for your pocket book and also good news for the environment.

There are many ways that you can save on fuel and help the environment. One way to do this is to make sure that you keep your vehicle tuned up. You should have regular tune ups, clean air filters and have general routine maintenance done to help you get better gas mileage. This will make your car pollute the air less and also make your car run longer and better.

Changing your car’s air filter can boost your vehicles gas mileage by 10% according to the EPA. This is something that is easy to do and only needs to be done every 15,000 miles or once a year. You can easily change your filter yourself or you can also have it done for you when you take your car in for general maintenance.

Another important thing that will definitely make a difference in your fuel consumption is your tire pressure. You should check your tire pressure often and keep the pressure at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. If your tires are properly inflated your car runs better and the engine doesn’t have to work as hard. This means you can save fuel and put less gas emissions into the air.

Your car’s air conditioning is another factor to consider if you want to get better gas mileage. Try to use the air conditioner sparingly. Use the windows to help cool the car down during the summer months. If at all possible try to park in the shade or use a reflective windshield shade. This will keep your car cooler when it is parked, which in turn means it will take less energy to cool it off when you return. There are also solar fans which are available that uses the sun’s energy to cool off the inside of your car.

Just remember if you keep your car tuned up, the proper pressure in your tires and use your air conditioning frugally you will save fuel and also be helping the environment.