Seeing Green in your car
In Manitoba, the transportation sector is the second greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Fossil-fuel-burning vehicles generate over one-third of the province's climate-changing pollutants.
The use of single passenger vehicles is one of the most influential ways Manitobans contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions. Fortunately, it's easy to get started on the road to more sustainable transportation choices.
Leave the car at home whenever you can
- Walking, cycling, running or in-line skating not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also result in a variety of health benefits.
- One busload of passengers takes 40 cars off the road, saves 70,000 litres of fuel and avoids over 175 tonnes of emissions a year. Carpool anyone?
We know that for many people parking the car permanently is not an option. Here are a few driving and maintenance tips to consider.
- Check your tire pressure twice a month, especially in changing weather. Under-inflated tires cause greater drag, reducing fuel efficiency by up to 5 percent. Be especially vigilant during cold weather, when air volume is reduced due to low temperatures.
- Balance your tires for even weight distribution. A vehicle with poorly balanced tires will vibrate, reducing fuel efficiency.
- Check your wheel alignment. A misalignment of just half a degree is equivalent to dragging a tire sideways for 14 km (8.7 miles) every 1,500 km you drive. Besides guzzling gas, poor alignment will decrease the life of your tires and your vehicle.
- Reduce the use of air conditioning as it uses a lot of extra fuel. Try shutting it off when you are comfortable, don't wait for the big chill. Turn it on again when you really feel the heat.
- Avoid idling. Just ten seconds of idling burns more fuel than restarting your engine. If you aren't going anywhere, shut your engine OFF.
- Travel at moderate, steady speeds. Posted speed limits are not just for safety. They also represent optimal rates of travel that maximize vehicle fuel efficiency.
- Lessen your impact by purchasing a more efficient vehicle or using an ethanol-blended fuel.
When buying a new vehicle, ask yourself these three questions
- How is the fuel economy? The amount of CO2 emitted by a vehicle is proportional to the amount of energy it uses. The better the fuel economy, the fewer the greenhouse gas emissions. Bigger savings at the pump, too.
- Does it have to be this big? Evaluate your needs carefully. Larger, heavier vehicles use more materials and require more power to drive. As a result, most have larger engines with poor fuel economies.
- What is the emission rating? Look for the Vehicle Emission Control Information sticker under the hood. It will tell you if the engine meets national low-emission standards (NLEV). Some dealerships remove these stickers. If so, ask a salesperson for vehicle emission information.
Join a carpool
- Save money and wear and tear on your vehicle.
- More people in fewer vehicles reduces gas consumption.
- Fewer cars on the road mean less noise and air pollution as well as less traffic congestion.
- Driving your car less will increase its life expectancy.
Additional resources
Climate
Change Connection Tips for Climate-Friendly Living
Downloadable
Tips for Drivers
