The greenhouse effect is a big threat to our planet. Lowering greenhouse gas emissions is the key to improving the environment. Gas-burning vehicles are a big source of greenhouse gases. Saving gas can not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also save you money. Are there any tips on how to do so?
To tell you more about how to save gas in your driving here is our feature correspondent Michael Lee.
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If you have a private car, or are thinking about owning a private car, gas fees should be a major concern in your life. At the same time, saving gas can also contribute to environmental protection. That's why many cities hold "No Car Day" activities, encouraging people to leave their cars at home at least one day a month.
But what about the rest of the days of the month? Can we find better ways to reduce gas consumption when we drive? The Chief Technical Officer with Beijing Bo Rui Jiu Long Automobile Service, Pan Xudong says, if you want to save as much gas as possible, you should combine various techniques depending on your vehicle and needs.
"If your car is a stick shift, you should read your manual first. The manual will tell you the best possible speed to shift up gears. Some people may believe that shifting up as soon as possible can save gas, but nowadays, for most low-emission cars, this raises gas consumption instead."
Pan Xudong says maintaining a steady speed and using the highest gear possible are other effective ways to reduce gas usage. This is because when accelerating the engine needs extra fuel to propel the car, and using higher gears can make your engine run more efficiently. Many people like to use the fourth gear, believing it the most convenient when passing cars, but it is recommended to use the fifth gear if possible.
Does breaking consume gas? The answer is yes, because when breaking hard propulsion energy is transformed into heat, which makes the brakes hot. So if you can anticipate traffic flow and see a red light ahead, you can decelerate smoothly to reduce your gas use.
Pan Xudong also stresses that car maintenance is also necessary to achieve fuel efficient-driving.
"Maintaining your tire pressure at a certain level has a direct effect on your gas consumption. Also, the more a vehicle carries, the more fuel it uses; so don't carry more cargo than you need to and clear out your trunk."
Pan Xudong emphasizes that echo-friendly driving involves many aspects, so people should learn from their experiences.
China Drive is one of CRI's radio programs aired from Monday to Friday. We pick the most interesting life reports from China Drive. Stay tuned.
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Director: Liu Chi