Green Driving Tips

Jun 1, 2010

By Jenny Li, Editor in Chief, State Farm™ Employee

By now, many of us are familiar with the term "green driving." But how many of us can name more than one “tip” that falls into this category? Some of what I learned surprised me, and it might surprise you too.

The green driving tip that most of us are familiar with is "Slow and steady is the way." This video reminds us how to do that:

 

Tires can lose one to two pounds of pressure each month, and that number balloons in the winter months. According to the Department of Energy, maintaining properly inflated tires can boost fuel efficiency by around three percent, equaling about 20 gallons of gas a year. At $2.50 a gallon, that’s 50 bucks! Properly inflated tires are also safer since they reduce the chances of a blowout, according to the California Energy Commission.

Oil quality matters. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, choosing your manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil, including re-refined motor oil, can boost fuel efficiency by one to two percent.

Did you know you can get a fuel-efficient tax break for your plug-in hybrid vehicle? The federal government is offering tax incentives for vehicles that can get up to 48 miles per gallon. And don’t forget, many other fuel-efficient vehicles are available on the market.

The benefits of walking, biking, public transportation, carpooling, and combining trips for errands, no matter how minimal you do it, can save you in many ways. Walking and biking can improve your health, reduce fuel usage, and reduce pollution.

It’s also considered green to de-junk your trunk. According to the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, for every 100 pounds of weight in your vehicle, fuel economy is reduced by one to two percent, and removing 100 extra pounds from your vehicle can save up to a full tank of gasoline each year.

These steps will help keep the environment healthy, and maybe help you keep some extra cash in your wallet.

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Tags driving, efficient, gas, green, mileage, money, oil, tax, tips, tires, trunk, vehicle, video

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