How To Be An Environmentally Responsible Vehicle Owner

This summer, climate change has forced its way to the forefront of many people's minds, sparking increased interest in steps we can all take to reduce our carbon footprint.

The automotive sector probably features prominently in your mind when you think of greenhouse gas emissions, and with good reason. While automobiles have unquestionably become cleaner over the years in terms of the emissions they generate while in use, the transportation sector still accounts for 25% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, with automobiles and light trucks responsible for 11% of the total. It is important to remember that focusing only on the emissions from driving a vehicle misses the bigger picture: the manufacture of a new car generates as much carbon pollution as using it. 

This means that if you are vigilant about your car’s usage, repairs, and maintenance, making it last as many miles as possible, you can significantly reduce your contribution to greenhouse gas emissions while reducing the frequency at which you need to replace your vehicle. Advances in automotive technology have increased the life expectancy of vehicles, which has climbed to almost 13 years in Canada. However, there is still a lot of scopes for most owners to improve the longevity and performance of their vehicles and truly make their prized possessions last an era.

Driving habits can be surprisingly effective in optimizing your vehicle’s fuel economy, lifespan, and carbon footprint. Some tips to make your drive more environment-friendly:

• Be sure to avoid sudden and excessive acceleration and braking, as this can reduce your mileage by up to 40%

• Idling burns a lot of fuel. Switching the engine off is a more fuel-efficient alternative to long periods of idling

• Don’t speed! Keeping your speed relatively low is obviously safer, and it saves fuel to boot 

• Avoid carrying cargo on the roof of your vehicle to enjoy significantly more favourable aerodynamics and ease the burden on your engine

• Removing unnecessary heavy items from your trunk can also reduce fuel expenditure

• Consider investing in a driver feedback device to further improve your fuel economy

Taking ownership of the maintenance of your vehicle is a smart and, for many, enjoyable way of keeping it in mint condition for longer. For starters, pay attention to the maintenance schedule that comes with the manual so you don’t have to perform replacements earlier than needed. Being attentive to the noises your vehicle makes can help you prevent problems rather than fixing them. The simple measure of regularly checking engine fluids, oil, and tire pressure is invaluable in keeping your vehicle safe and well-maintained. Read about these measures here on our site.

Our intuitions about automotive pollution can be misleading. As an example, consider your car’s tires. They may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you consider your vehicle’s environmental impact, but the particulate matter they release when you drive, along with your car’s other non-exhaust emissions such as particles released from brake wear, can dwarf exhaust emissions by a factor of a thousand. Following the simple practice of keeping your vehicle’s tires inflated to the recommended level will not only keep you safe and make your tires last longer, but also reduce the number of particles released because of tire wear and tear. 

Finally, whether you are primarily concerned about the environment or simply want to be a better car owner, being knowledgeable and proactive about your vehicle's maintenance requirements is critical.  A few hundred dollars a year for routine maintenance or replacements may seem steep, but it is a small price to pay to avoid more expensive repairs or even the replacement of the vehicle later. Your vehicle, and the environment, will thank you for it.