Creating a sustainable world is more than simply recycling or composting. On average, one car emits 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere per year.
While we can’t necessarily stop all driving from happening, companies are working hard to create more sustainable features for the vehicles we use every day.
Take a look at these seven eco-friendly vehicle features:
1. Snow Removal Equipment
Heavy machinery used by larger vehicles is often overlooked when it comes to eco-friendly features. Some vehicles, such as ones used for snow removal, require different features than a typical car.
Stucchi, for example, provides hydraulic solutions for snow and ice removal equipment. Their couplers used for snow removal are leak-free, therefore protecting the environment from hydraulic fluid leaks.
2. Gear Transmission
Manual transmissions are what you usually find in sustainable electric cars since they’re more energy-efficient. However, there are still options for those who prefer an automatic transmission.
Instead, your car will need to have what’s called a skip shift mode. This will put your car into neutral when you slow down.
3. Automated Climate Control
Driving with the windows down and the air conditioner on blast isn’t the most energy-efficient for your vehicle.
Engineers have designed automated climate controls that can monitor different areas within the vehicle. It’ll change the temperature automatically to avoid wasting additional power.
4. Electric SUVs
No list of sustainable car features would be complete without mentioning eco-friendly electric SUVs. Rather than running on fuel, they run on an electric motor powered by a battery.
Typically, SUVs produce a higher amount of emissions. But with most electric SUVs available to the general public, they’re only allowed to reach a certain mileage per hour which also keeps our roads safer.
5. Choose Synthetic Oil Systems
Most generic types of oil have petroleum additives that aren’t good for the environment. It generates hazardous emissions such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and hydrogen chloride (HCl).
When you plan to purchase a vehicle, you’ll want to look for one that offers a synthetic oil system. This gives you the option of using sustainable and eco-friendly oil when it needs a change.
While a synthetic oil change may cost a bit extra, it pays off since you won’t have to change your oil nearly as often. Full synthetic options let you drive the vehicle for upwards of 10,000 miles before your next oil change.
6. Emissions Sensors and Devices
The cars you’re used to driving probably aren’t telling you the damage you’re doing to the environment. Even Google Maps now offers low-emissions routes towards your next destination.
Now, more vehicles offer emission sensors that can alert you when you’re emitting something dangerous into the environment. This way, you can detect problems before they arise. On the flip side, it can also tell you when your car is at its most energy-efficient.
7. LED Lighting
A simple yet completely effective eco-friendly car feature for conserving energy is the use of LED lights. These aren’t just used in your home to save on your energy bill anymore. LED lights can help to save up to 50% more energy than a traditional headlight.
This is due to the amount of light they emit per wattage used. Because of the bright light, your vehicle will produce less heat, allowing your car to operate much better.
Conclusion
As technology advances, expert engineers are finding more ways to make transportation safer for both the people behind the wheel as well as for the environment.
When you’re on the hunt for a new vehicle, always talk to the salesman about what types of sustainable features your potential new car will offer. If you work with heavy machinery, look for companies that offer eco-friendly options for their customers.
The more conscientious we are, the better off our world will be.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
