Don't Drive Aggressively
Don't fret, drivers. If you can't afford a hybrid, there are ways to make your car less hazardous to the environment. Planet Green correspondent Sara Snow shares 10 ways to improve fuel efficiency, become a greener driver…and save some green while you're at it!

First, ease up on the gas and brake pedals. Accelerating or braking overly fast and excessive lane changing can reduce the number of miles you get per gallon by up to 33 percent!

Eliminate the A/C
Turn off the air-conditioning. Having air-conditioning on high can reduce your fuel efficiency by 25 percent.

Keep Your Motor Runnin'
Do all your errands at one time to avoid unnecessary cold starts. An engine that's been sitting idle for an hour or more creates five times more pollution than a warm engine.

Check Your Tire Pressure
Tire pressure is measured in pounds per square inch—psi. Your tires lose about 1 psi for every month you drive. If your tires are just 3 pounds below the recommended tire pressure, it can result in a significant loss in fuel efficiency.

Fill Up, Not Over
Don't top off your gas tank. This common practice causes excess fumes to be released into the air.

Pick Up Passengers
Carpool with co-workers or friends a few days a week.

Park and Ride
Ride your bike or take public transportation a couple of days a week.

Lighten Your Load
Take heavy things out of your car and remove ski or bike racks to decrease weight, which will increase your miles per gallon!

Go Right on Red
Plan your route so you only have to make right turns. You'll be able to go right on red and save time—and gas—by avoiding long stop lights.

Look Under the Hood
Checking your spark plugs, oxygen sensor, hoses and belts are a few examples of maintenance that can save you up to $165 in gas every year. If you have a clean air filter, you can also improve fuel efficiency by 10 percent.
Published 04/22/2009