7 Car upgrades that help the environment

Cars are some of the most significant expenses for many people. From buying the vehicle to keeping it in top condition, there are hundreds of reasons why cars cost so much money. Fortunately, you don’t have to pay so much if your goal is just to get around town.

You just need some excellent car upgrades that will save you money in the long run. Here are seven car upgrades that can save you money and help the environment:

1. Installing a fuel-efficient engine

Most car engines are built to be reasonably fuel-efficient, but it is most likely wasting fuel if your car was built before 2000. Replacing the engine in a vehicle that’s at least ten years old can save you up to £1,500 per year in fuel costs and reduce greenhouse gases too. Or, if you are in the market for a new car, consider purchasing one with an engine that is more fuel-efficient.

Minding your car’s fuel economy can also save you money. You can improve your car’s fuel economy by driving less aggressively, keeping your tires properly inflated, and maintaining the proper tire pressure in wintertime.

2. Upgrading your car’s tyres

One of the easiest ways to improve your fuel consumption is installing high-performance tyres with low rolling resistance. High-performance tyres have higher air pressure and stiffer rubber, which help decrease the amount of resistance encountered by your tyres as they roll. This can save you up to 1% in fuel costs for every four psi over the recommended tyre pressure (found on a sticker inside the car door jamb or listed in the owner’s manual).

3. Installing a solar panel

You might not be able to power an entire vehicle with solar panels realistically, but installing them on the roof of your garage will allow you to generate some electricity that can power devices around your home. If you replace ten 100-watt light bulbs with LED bulbs, for example, you could save £20 per year in energy costs.

Solar cells can be expensive, but they don’t have to be permanent fixtures inside your car if you only need them from time to time. Many portable solar chargers for mobile phones and other electronic devices can also be used in your vehicle.

4. Replacing your air filter

If you drive a petrol-powered car, replacing your air filter can be an easy way to save money on fuel. A dirty air filter restricts airflow and forces the engine to work harder by making more frequent trips to the petrol station. Replacing your air filter once or twice a year is recommended and should cost around £10 each time.

5. Changing your driving habits

The way that you drive can also affect your car’s fuel efficiency. Driving over 55 mph, for example, uses more fuel than driving under 55 mph. Aggressive starts and stops will worsen your fuel consumption significantly, so try to accelerate smoothly and avoid slamming on the brakes whenever possible.

Keeping the car well-maintained can also improve your car’s fuel economy. Keeping it tuned up and replacing old worn-out parts can improve its fuel economy by as much as 40%. Plus, if you get custom all-weather floor mats, they will protect the floorboard from getting damaged or wearing out prematurely.

6. Recycling your old car

Before you put your old car on the market, consider recycling it to save money and help the environment. Recycling an entire vehicle can be cheaper than trying to sell an old or damaged one yourself. It also prevents dangerous chemicals like antifreeze and batteries from getting into landfills.

7. Buying a hybrid or electric car

If you live in an urban area where it is unnecessary to drive long distances, buying an electric vehicle can be a great way to save money on fuel. Electric cars are far cheaper than petrol-powered cars, and the cost of paying for electricity to power them is much less than the cost of paying for petrol.

A hybrid car uses both gas and electricity to power the vehicle, which allows you to save money in two ways. First, you use electricity when there are times when it is more economical to use an electric motor, such as when stopped at a traffic light. Second, the combination of electricity and gas means you don’t have to make as many trips to the gas station.

There are many car upgrades you can make to your vehicle that will save you money in the long run and help the environment. Just because you cannot afford to buy a brand-new car doesn’t mean you can’t make positive changes to your current one. So, if you are looking for an easy way to save money and help the environment, consider giving these car upgrades a try.