Go Green with Mossy Nissan!
Burning gasoline creates a whole host of environmental problems, from air pollution and smog to global warming and climate change. Driving a fuel efficient car, like the Nissan Altima Hybrid, helps protect air, water and wildlife. Here are some helpful tips on how to GO GREEN with your vehicle:
Go with a hybrid! The Nissan Altima Hybrid gets an amazing 36 MPG city!
Older cars pollute more. When buying a used car, have a mechanic check the catalytic converter and other pollution controls to be sure they are working properly. Be sure to keep the vehicle well maintained.
Keep your vehicle in good running condition! Poorly maintained or malfunctioning vehicles can release as much as 10 times the emissions of a well-maintained one. Motorists should follow the manufacturer's instructions on routine maintenance, such as oil and filter changes. Use an energy saving grade of motor oil (labeled ECII or Energy Conserving II).
- Don't tamper with the pollution controls and have the vehicle inspected regularly.
- Keep track of fuel economy. A loss in economy usually means an increase in emissions. Poorly inflated tires can also cause a loss in fuel economy.
- Watch the exhaust. If it is black, there is too much gas in the mixture and the fuel injection system needs to be checked. If the exhaust is blue, the car is burning oil and releasing excess hydrocarbons.
- Fix air conditioning leaks immediately.
- Pay attention to dashboard
warning lights. Have the car checked out as soon as possible.
Use clean fuels, when available! Clean fuels include reformulated gasoline, oxygenated gasoline, and alternative fuels. The EPA estimates that reformulated gasoline reduces ozone-forming emissions and toxic air pollutants by 15 to 17 percent. Reformulated gasoline will be required in areas where ozone levels exceed the federal health standard.
- Oxygenated gasoline is federally mandated in areas that do not meet the federal health standard for carbon monoxide. It contains at least 2.7 percent oxygen on average. It is sold during the colder months of the year when carbon monoxide is more of a problem.
- Alternatively fueled vehicles run on a variety of fuels, including methanol, ethanol, compressed natural gas, and electricity -- all of which reduce emissions.