Cleaner vehicles mean a cleaner environment. Many persons do not realize that when they take the time to ensure that their vehicles are cleaner that they are actually helping the environment. Used cars tend to leave a carbon tire-print, but this can be avoided if the driver ensures that he is adhering to key principles in maintaining his vehicle, as well as doing his part to lessen the carbon tire-print left by his secondhand car. These tips will prove useful once they are adhered to.

Avoid leaving the vehicle in what is called idle mode. If you are parked for more than thirty seconds and will be waiting for an extended period of time, it is best to simply turn the engine off. Experts state "for every two minutes a car is idling, it uses about the same amount of fuel it takes to go about one mile" (www.consumerenergycenter.org). This however does not apply while the vehicle is waiting in traffic.

Generally, for the sake of convenience while purchasing food at fast food restaurants, people tend to utilize the drive through. However convenient, it is highly recommended that persons park their vehicles and walk inside the restaurant instead and purchase their food then go back to their car.

Usually peak hour traffic can be one of the main factors that contribute to the increased carbon tire-print your secondhand car leaves. However if you avoid heavy traffic it is less likely that you will be spending a considerable amount on fuel.

The frequent servicing of the car is highly recommended as well. This will ensure that the emission control systems are working at optimal levels to ensure efficiency. Engines that do not receive frequent servicing will automatically burn more gas which will prove to be very expensive.

The air filter must also be checked on a monthly basis and the tires must be properly inflated to capitalize on gas mileage. Clogged filters will cause the engine to operate poorly. Tires that have not been properly inflated according to the recommended pressure will lower the fuel efficiency.

Another way to reduce or lessen the carbon tire-print your secondhand car leaves is by using a Carbon Footprint Calculator. This calculator allows you to verify the carbon dioxide emissions from your car as well as other things that use energy. Using the calculator will allow you to track the emissions over a period of time, which will inform you on how to definitely reduce your carbon tire-print left by your secondhand car, as well as show you how your actions have helped in this reduction.

There is also a Carbon Conscious Consumer program that has been developed by a company called New American Dream where they provide new ideas on how to reduce your carbon tire-print.

Proper preservation of your secondhand car will allow you to save more on fuel and maintenance costs. The more you understand and follow the requisite steps outlined, the more you will learn how to lessen the carbon tire-print your secondhand car leaves behind.