4 eco-friendly car tips to get you back on the road
You put your vehicle through a lot this winter, but the warmer weather is finally here and that means you can enjoy driving once again.
Below are some eco-friendly car tips to get your back on the road and enjoying the upcoming summer months ahead.
1. Wash your car at a professional car wash. Winter months can be especially hard on your vehicle and washing your car is an easy first step to making your car feel new again. Using a professional car wash is a great way to protect the environment. According to the International Carwash Association, WaterSavers professional car washes use an average of 40 gallons of water or less per car while recycling and filtering their water to prevent harmful chemicals from going into our rivers and streams. Professional car washes also remove salt from the undercarriage of your vehicle, which is a must after a long winter. By comparison, the average home washing machine uses 41 gallons per cycle, and a garden hose uses 63 gallons of water in just five minutes. You can learn more, and find a WaterSavers wash at Washwithwatersavers.com.
2. Give the inside a deep clean. Winter’s elements are hard on the outside of your car, but many people forget the abuse the vehicle’s interior takes as well. Think of how many times you’ve crawled into your vehicle with dirty, snowy feet and you can begin to understand why cleaning the inside is necessary. Apply some baking soda and a rubber sponge to your floor mats for an environmentally friendly and efficient clean. Then, wipe down interior surfaces with a microfiber cloth and vacuum the fabric and floor to remove dirt, sand, salt and dust.
3. Don’t forget the maintenance check. Winter is finally over, but that doesn’t mean your vehicle can skip an overall maintenance check, especially if you want to save energy. Make sure to have your oil changed and give your vehicle an once-over. Check the fluid levels as well. The more efficiently your vehicle runs, the more gas you’ll save.
4. How’s your tire pressure and alignment? Low tire pressure will cause your vehicle to overexert itself and waste gas so make sure your tires are up to the task. Your tires list their recommended pressure on the side. If you can’t find it, you can find the recommended tire pressure in your owner’s manual. It is also a good idea to have a certified technician conduct an alignment test since it could have been thrown off by driving over pot holes during the winter months.
Connect with WaterSavers:
WIN IT:
ONE OurKidsMom reader is going to win a Watersavers Prize pack!
· Gap Stick
o A versatile auto accessory to help access the hard-to-reach areas of a vehicle. Designed with a strong magnetic hook, the gap stick can pick up a key ring, jewelry or anything else that has slipped between the seat and the center console.
· Phone Caddy
o A plastic phone holder that clips to air vents in any vehicle to keep your phone in view for GPS usage and close to charging outlets.
· Auto Trash Bag
o A sleekly designed bag with a bottom zippered compartment for extra garage bags or hand wipes.
· $50 Visa Gift Card
This giveaway ended at 11:59 PM EST on June 20, 2014.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” The opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Your experience with the product may differ from mine. The sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment and will be shipping the winner(s) their prize(s). For more information read my disclosure policy.
I learned a typical water saving car wash uses less water than a washing machine. WOW!
I learned that using a water hose at home can take 60 gallons of water.
I learned WaterSavers® car washes prevent water pollution by routing wash water to treatment prior to its return to the environment
I learned there are 300 million registered passenger vehicles in North America, which adds to our pollution problem.
I learned: WaterSavers car washes prevent water pollution by routing wash water to treatment prior to its return to the environment.
I learned that washing a car at home pollutes the environment by seeping into our water reservoirs and that washing at home uses 60 gallons of water. Water savers uses a lot less water, it uses less water than a washing machine!!
I learned that by reducing water pollution in our communities, we are protecting our streams, rivers and water tables.
I Learned That I Have A Local WaterSavers wash Near Me With The Location Finder!
i learned when you wash your car on pavement, the run-off carries the grime and chemicals into the soil and storm drains that empty directly into our rivers.
WaterSavers car washes prevent water pollution by routing wash water to treatment prior to its return to the environment.
I learned that Many people don’t know that washing vehicles on pavement causes harm to local waterways. Water entering storm drains, unlike water that enters sanitary sewers, does not undergo treatment before it is discharged. So, when cars are washed on streets, parking lots and driveways, that dirty water eventually winds up in rivers, streams and lakes.
I learned that there is a WaterSavers car wash location near me and it uses less than 4o gallons per car wash.
I learned that using a water hose at home can take 60 gallons of water
I learned that residential car washing led to the following being released into their storm sewer system: 60 pounds of ammonia, 2,200 pounds of surfactants, etc.
I like that they use no more than an average of 40 gallons of water per wash and that the used water is then cleaned before being released back into the environment
Through their innovative techniques, they use an average of no more than 40 gallons (151.5 liters) of fresh water per car.
I learned WaterSavers reuses the water to save.
I did not know that “when you wash your car on pavement, the run-off carries the grime and chemicals into the soil and storm drains that empty directly into our rivers”. Many times the river water is recycled purified and thats our drinking water.
I learned that they have a store locator…makes it easy to find one near you .
I learned that The water used in WaterSavers car washes is cleaned through filtration or treatment systems prior to returning to the environment, or it is used again.
I like the location finder on their site.
I learned When you wash your car on pavement, the run-off carries the grime and chemicals into the soil and storm drains that empty directly into our rivers.
I learned there are 300 million registered passenger vehicles in North America
I just learned that washing vehicles on pavement causes harm to local waterways.
This car wash only use 40 gallons of water per wash.
1.06 miles
from my house to
Bucky’s Car Wash
Thanks for the contest.
I learned that using a water hose at home can take 60 gallons of water.
I learned that pavement pollutes. I had no idea!
I learned WaterSavers® car washes use an average of no more than 40 gallons of water per car. , while using a garden hose at home, you can use more than 60 gallons in as little as five minutes.
I learned that the cleaner your car, the less wind resistance, which means better fuel economy.
Thank you!
I like the charity carwashing.
I learned that according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average home washing machine uses 41 gallons of water per load! YIKES!
I like the charity carwashing and I found one 11 miles from home. Yay!
I learned washing your car at home pollutes the enviroment.
That by reducing water pollution in our communities, we are protecting our streams, rivers and water tables.
I learned that there is no Water Saver car wash withiin 25 miles from me, I would love for one to open up so we can help the environment.
Very dramatic differences in water usage depending on how you wash your car.
I learned that there is a WaterSavers about 15 miles away from me.
I learned WaterSavers® car washes use an average of no more than 40 gallons (151.5 liters) of fresh water per car. All of that water is either recycled or returned to the environment cleanly.
Learned that when you wash your car on pavement, the run-off carries the grime and chemicals into the soil and storm drains that empty directly into our rivers.
I learned there is a WaterSavers about 5 miles from us.. and 3 others that are local also
I learned When you wash your car on pavement, the run-off carries the grime and chemicals into the soil and storm drains that empty directly into our rivers. You also save water by going directly to a professional car wash.
Washing your car regularly can protect your car and makes it more wind resistant.
I learned that WaterSavers® car washes prevent water pollution by routing wash water to treatment prior to its return to the environment. These car washes also use only 40 gallons (151.5 liters) or less of fresh water per car wash — less than the typical home washing machine.
I learned that When we wash our cars on pavement, the run-off carries the grime and chemicals into the soil and storm drains that empty directly into our rivers
I learned that washing my car can help to protect my investment.
I learned that WaterSavers® car washes prevent water pollution by routing wash water to treatment prior to its return to the environment.
I learned that WaterSavers car washes use an average of no more than 40 gallonsof fresh water per car. All of that water is either recycled or returned to the environment cleanly
I learned WaterSavers® car washes prevent water pollution by routing wash water to treatment prior to its return to the environment and uses less water than a washing machine
I learned that wWater entering storm drains, unlike water that enters sanitary sewers, does not undergo treatment before it is discharged.
I learned that when cars are washed on streets, parking lots and driveways, that dirty water eventually winds up in rivers, streams and lakes.
I like that they have a Watersavers locator on their website!
I learned when cars are washed on streets, parking lots and driveways, that dirty water eventually winds up in rivers, streams and lakes.
i learned theres one
8.08 miles from my house
Swift Wash
angd that they use less water than a washing machine
using a car wash saves water, i never knew that
I learned that the cleaner your car, the less wind resistance… That means better fuel economy.
I learned WaterSavers car washes use only 40 gallons (151.5 liters) or less of fresh water per car wash — less than the typical home washing machine.
I learned that they use no more than 40 gallons to wash your car.
I had no idea about the “pavement pollutes” thing!!! Def will keep in mind!
WaterSavers car washes prevent water pollution by routing wash water to treatment prior to its return to the environment.
Read more at http://www.ourkidsmom.com/2014/06/4-eco-friendly-car-tips-get-back-road-50-visa-gc-giveaway-ends-620/#gMOtEJIUJybrzMic.99
washing your car at home is NOT as good for the environment!
i learned where there is an approved car wash near me
I did not know about the pavement pollution from the runoff.
A study by the City of Federal Way (Washington) found that residential car washing led to the following being released into their storm sewer system:
190 gallons (719 liters) of gasoline, diesel and motor oil
I learned Water Savers uses 40 gallons of fresh water per vehicle, less than the average washing machine.
Something I learned – According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average home washing machine uses 41 gallons of water per load.
That’s a lot of water!
thank you
That using a water hose at home can take 60 gallons of water, thats really insightful.
When you wash your car on pavement, the run-off carries the grime and chemicals into the soil and storm drains that empty directly into our rivers.
I learned that using a water hose at home can take 60 gallons of water
I learned that my town has a WaterSaver car wash, yay. Thanks for the giveaway!
I learned that the closest Water Savers location is 21 miles away from me in Mahopac, NY
I learned that Water Savers recycles their water.
I learned there is one two miles from me.
I learned that washing your car on the driveway pavement washes the chemicals into the nearby soil.
I learned that by getting your car washed at a water saver location, you help the enviroment and you help to save water.
I learned that they do charity fund raising events at Water Saver locations.
I learned there are over 1,000 WaterSavers® car washes worldwide that are committed to meeting strict criteria to help protect the environment.
I learned that there is a watersavers car wash seven miles from my house.
I learned that home car washing uses 60 gallons and car washes use 40 gal and that water is recycled.
Using a garden hose at home, you can use more than 60 gallons (227.1 liters) in as little as five minutes – YIKES
wow using a water hose at home uses up to 60 gallons of water, there goes washing the car at home
I learned that cars washed on pavement result in runoff. Not good.
I learned about the effects of washing your car and where it carries it to the local rivers.
Luckily, in my state we are not allowed to wash our cars.
i learned that you actually waste MORE water washing your car at home
I learned that WaterSavers car washes use only about as much water as you use to wash a load of clothes.
I learned my location has some watersavers car washes, including one that is about 2 miles from my house.
I had no idea, Improve fuel economy, did you know that the cleaner your car, the less wind resistance? That means better fuel economy.
I learned that they do charity car washing!
I like the fundraising initiative.
They are charitible
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average home washing machine uses 41 gallons of water per load.
I never knew that there was car washes that had this sort of technology. I love that they are trying to make even things like car washing greener c=
I learned there are more than 300 million registered vehicles contributing to the pollution.
I learned there is a location within 5.5 miles of my home!
using a water hose at home can take 60 gallons of water
The average home washing machine uses 41 gallons of water per load! WHAT?!
learned about watersavers car washes
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average home washing machine uses 41 gallons of water per load.
I learned there are 300 million registered passenger vehicles in North America, which adds to our pollution problem.
I didn’t know you only use 40 gal of water at a automated car wash that is pretty good
I’ve never really thought about how much pollutants get into the soil when washing a car on pavement!
The water used in WaterSavers car washers is recycled water.
I learned they have a locator on the website.
I learned when you wash your car on pavement, the run-off carries the grime and chemicals into the soil and storm drains that empty directly into our rivers.
We can reduce water pollution to protect our water tables.
I learned that WaterSavers use an average of no more than 40 gallons of fresh water per car, which is less than most washing machines 🙂
I learned I should actually wash my car once in a while….
I learned the cleaner your car the less wind resistence
I learned that washing vehicles on pavement causes harm to local waterways
I learned when you use your hose, you can use 60 gallons of water in as little as five minutes.
I learned that a WaterSavers car wash only uses about 40 gallons of water!
I learned the following: According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average home washing machine uses 41 gallons of water per load. WaterSavers® car washes use an average of no more than 40 gallons (151.5 liters) of fresh water per car. All of that water is either recycled or returned to the environment cleanly.
Using a garden hose at home, you can use more than 60 gallons (227.1 liters) in as little as five minutes.
Very interesting info: I’m always trying to save more water!
I learned that we shouldn’t conduct car wash fundraiser in a parking lot. Instead, contact a WaterSavers® car wash to ask about fundraising options.
I learned that they have a location just down the street from where I work!
I learned that washing your car on the pavement causes harm to local waterways because the dirty water ends up in rivers and streams. I’ve never thought of that.
I found a lot of valuable information on Preventing Water Pollution and Conserving Water.
I had no idea you could use 60 gallons of water every 5 mins washing your car at home!
I learned there is a Parke West Car Wash less than 5 miles from my house.
There are 300 million registered passenger vehicles in North America.
I would love to get my car washed by Watersavers. I didn’t realize how much they could re-use. Love it! Now I have a reason not to do it myself.
I learned nearly 1,000 WaterSavers car washes worldwide are committed to meeting strict criteria to help protect the environment.
Thanks for the giveaway…Acid rain, road salt, bird droppings and sun damage are just some of the threats to your car’s condition that can be addressed by regular car care.
I learned that WaterSavers car washes prevent water pollution by routing wash water to treatment prior to its return to the environment.
I learned that washing a car on pavement causes harm to local waterways.
I learned the cleaner your car, the less wind resistance.
learned washing your car on pavement washes chemicals into the soil
I learned that there are four water saver car wash locations within fifteen miles of my home.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
I learned that Using a garden hose at home, you can use more than 60 gallons (227.1 liters) in as little as five minutes. That is amazing!
I learned that the dirty water from washing my car on the street, can end up in local rivers.
I learned that the dirty water from washing my car on the street, can end up in local rivers.
I learned that Water Savers reusues water to save.
A study by the city of Federal Way found that residential car washing led to 60 lbs of ammonia being released into the stormwater system
You use around 60 gallons of water when using a water hose at home!
Improve fuel economy.
the cleaner your car, the less wind resistance
I learned that there are several Water Savers car washes in my area.
I learned that there is a WaterSavers car wash location near me
I learned that using a water hose at home can take 60 gallons of water
I never thought that cleaning my car could help with fuel efficiency
When you wash your car on pavement, the rinse water runoff — along with all the chemicals it contains — can go to storm drains that empty directly into rivers and streams. This pollution has been proven to negatively impact aquatic life and ecosystems.
I learned the cleaner your car, the less wind resistance! That means better fuel economy!
I learned that using a hose takes up to 60 gallons. That’s a lot of water!
I learned you can get better fuel mileage for cleaning your car
I learned that there are 10-15 watersavers car washes within my area.
I did not know that the cleaner your car is causes less wind resistance. That means better fuel economy according to the site.
When you wash your car on pavement, the run-off carries the grime and chemicals into the soil and storm drains that empty directly into our rivers.
I learned that there is a water saver location less than 10 miles from my house.
I learned that there are 300 million registered passenger vehicles in North America.
Wow 300 million registered passenger vehicles in North America thanks for the chance
Unfortunately, I learned that there aren’t any WaterSavers locations anywhere near me. I checked several relatively nearby zip codes, but none of them have any results within 25 miles. 🙁
Why does it say: This giveaway ended at 11:59 PM EST on June 20, 2014.
But it’s not that time yet?
there are 300 million registered passenger vehicles in North America amazing !!