Got a Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive Hybrid Vehicle? Join the club!
The daily news helps reinforce the idea that we all must curtail our petroleum consumption. Many people are taking a first step by choosing to drive hybrid cars.
Clubs like the Portland Area HSD Meetup Group in Portland, OR, make it easy to find like-minded conservationists. Bill Merchan, who runs the group, says HSD is made up of people who own or would like to own Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive vehicles. The group’s goal is to have fun and promote green driving at the same time.
Another purpose of the group is for members to learn how to make their hybrid cars even more efficient. They offer tips and tricks that help increase fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.
Driving a new or used hybrid car is definitely a great way to drive green, but even if you haven’t been able to purchase a hybrid vehicle yet, here are steps you can take to help make driving a more eco-friendly experience.
6 Tips for Driving Green –Even if You Don’t Own a Hybrid Vehicle
- Keep Tires Properly Inflated – Did you know that just by keeping your tires inflated correctly you can improve your gas mileage by about 3%? Check the pressure at least once a month because air can naturally escape from your tires, especially if there has been sudden temperature changes. It only takes a moment to check your tire’s air pressure, but it can make a huge difference. It’s like getting a free tank of gas once a year when you keep your tires properly inflated for the entire 12 months.
- Replace Clogged Air Filters – Dirty, plugged up air filters are a definite fuel waster. The U.S. Department of Energy says that a clogged fuel filter can cost you 10% of your mileage. How do you know if the filter needs changed? If you can see light through it, the filter’s probably still good. Your owner’s manual will suggest a schedule for this type of maintenance.
- Lighten the Load – Although leaving your golf clubs or tackle box in the trunk of your car may be convenient, it does add weight and, believe it or not, if you are carrying an extra 100 pounds in your trunk, you are losing up to 2% fuel efficiency.
- Make Sure You Tighten Your Gas Cap – Last year, according to the Car Care Council, 147 million gallons of gas evaporated into the air because of loose, missing or damaged gas caps. You personally could lose as much as 30 gallons of gas a year if you don’t get that gas cap tightened down properly.
- Read Your Owner’s Manual – That little book in your glove box is chock full of helpful information that will help you achieve maximum fuel efficiency. This is your map to keeping your vehicle operating at peak condition.
- Drive Smart – Aggressive driving is one of the biggest gas wasters there is. Speeding, stop and go driving, jack rabbit starts, and last second stops can contribute to the loss of your fuel efficiency by as much as 33%!
It only makes sense to strive to get as much mileage as possible to every gallon of gas you buy. It saves you money and it saves the earth from even more CO2 emissions. Groups like the Portland Area HSD Meetup Group are popping up around the country and members are getting together to share information about their hybrid vehicles and green driving, and having a ball while they’re at it. Find out if there is a similar organization in your area to learn more about green driving. If there’s no group available, start your own! Take your first step to join the club of green drivers.
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