April 15, 2014 • Page 9 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Driving With the Environment in Mind Many people aspire to live more eco-friendly lifestyles. And while those same people may think driving less is one way to accomplish that goal, motorists can take steps to be more eco-friendly when behind the wheel. Electric cars have been touted as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional vehicles, but such cars are still beyond the budgets of many vehicle owners, and the fluctuating prices of electricity make electric cars bargains for some drivers but costly expenditures for others. Those fluctuating prices, which depend on geography and a host of other factors, can make it difficult to determine the true cost of owing an electric vehicle. But electric cars are not the only S Safety continued from page 8 Tires should be aligned and balanced periodically to avoid irregular wear and having to replace tires prematurely. Tread pattern Tires feature different tread patterns depending on the brand of tire. They may be directional, asymmetrical, nondirectional, and directional/asymmetrical. When way drivers can go green. * Look for vehicles made with recycled materials. Some vehicle manufacturers have begun to equip their vehicles with recycled components. Much like they might emphasize recycled materials when shopping for groceries or home furnishings, ecofriendly consumers can look for a vehicle that includes recycled materials among its features. * Prioritize vehicle maintenance. Ensuring a vehicle is well-maintained is both practical and ecofriendly. Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency, as poorly inflated tires make it harder for engines to operate at full capacity, forcing them to work harder and waste fuel in the process. purchasing replacement tires, it is adviseable to match the tread pattern to the existing tires. This helps enhance the performance of the car. In fact, some newer cars require tread to match. Mismatched treads may cause problems with transmission shifting or impact control and steadiness. irregular wear. Underinflated tires also may contribute to loss of control that leads to accidents. Always maintain the manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct pressure, which should be adjusted based on the temperature. Tires should undergo the same inspection and maintenance as other parts of the vehicle. Tires are a vital component to safe driving, and routine maintenance can prevent accidents and other problems. into the engine, drastically reducing fuel efficiency as a result. Obeying the speed limit can also reduce their fuel consumption, as driving as little as 10 miles per hour more than the speed limit can reduce fuel efficiency. When possible, maintain a safe and steady speed. * Avoid heavily trafficked roads. Heavily trafficked roads tend to feature lots of stop-and-go driving, which reduces fuel efficiency while putting more and tear on vehicles. When possible, stick to roads with less traffic. Such roads are not only better for your vehicle, but also less stressful on drivers. * Clear your vehicle of unnecessary items. Cars have a tendency to become rolling closets. The longer drivers own their vehicles, the more personal items those vehicles seem to collect. Golf clubs, bowling balls, kids’ strollers, and other personal items should be removed from vehicles when making trips during which such items won’t be used. The heavier a vehicle is, the harder its engine must work, and the more fuel that engine consumes as a result. Drivers can dramatically improve their vehicles’ fuel efficiency by resisting the temptation to use those vehicles as storage closets. Driving is rarely seen as an eco-friendly activity. 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