Do you want to fill your garage, and protect the environment at the same time? Consider buying a used car, which has both financial and environmental benefits. We suggest why you should consider doing so in this post.

How Cars Affect The Environment

A used car may benefit the environment more than a new one. Before we explain this statement, you may need a reminder about how cars impact the surroundings.

1. Global Warming

First of all, car pollution is one of the top causes of global warming. Vehicles emit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. These account for about a fifth of the air pollutants in the United States.

Greenhouses gases and other air pollutants have caused temperatures to rise by about 0.6 degrees Celcius since pre-industrial times, and they will continue to increase. Warmer climates will impact wildlife, farming, and sea levels.

2. Water, air, and soil

Furthermore, pollutants affect air and water quality. Cars give off nitrous oxide, which depletes the Ozone layer and deprives us of Ultraviolet protection. Also, nitrogen combines with sulfur dioxide to create acid rain. Oil spills from vehicles seep into the soil near roads. They contaminate lakes and rivers as well.

3. Health

Particles from vehicle emissions compromise our health. Diesel engines emit more particulate matter than others. These pollutants may cause respiratory problems because they interfere with the blood’s ability to transport oxygen.

How Buying a Used Car Helps You

A shiny new car has caught your eye. But is it suitable for you? The financing options are attractive. That said, a used vehicle is a viable alternative. Here’s why.

1. Savings

First of all, buying a used car can mean significant savings. It can cost up to 50% less than a new one. You’ll have excess cash to spend on your next vehicle.

2. Depreciation

Also, a car depreciates as soon as you drive it out of the lot. Most of the devaluation would have occurred before you bought the vehicle, so its value is likely to stabilize.

3. No additional costs

Furthermore, there are many hidden fees on new cars. You will not incur such costs if you buy a used car.

4. Certified

Many used vehicles come with certificates of inspection. These are testaments to the vehicles’ quality. These used cars often have extended warranties.

5. Warranties

Furthermore, some used cars still have guarantees. A mechanic will be on hand to assist you should there be problems with your vehicle.



6. Low Customization Costs

New cars typically come with expensive dealership add-ons, and you may not use them all. You can install the ones you need, at a lower cost, when you buy a used car.

7. Low insurance premiums

If your new vehicle is involved in an accident, your insurance company is likely to pay only what the car is worth at the time. Since the car would have started depreciating, there will be a gap between the payment and its purchase price. Although Gap Insurance pays for this difference, it has a high premium. It isn’t necessary if you buy a used car.

8. Lower Annual Registration Fees

You may have to pay a yearly registration fee on your vehicle. You can save on this fee if you buy a used car.

How Buying a Used Car Helps the Planet

You know that a used car will benefit you financially. But how is it more environmentally-friendly than a new one?

9. Gas Mileage

First of all, we know that the gases that cars emit are devastating air pollutants. On the surface, a new car that comes with an eco-friendly guarantee is a sensible buy. However, a used car may have more gas mileage than a new one. According to the US Department of Energy, this is a predominant factor to consider when buying a car.

10. Manufacturing causes pollution

Also, think about the manufacturing process for new vehicles, which pollutes the environment. You limit it if you purchase a used vehicle.

11. Smaller Carbon Footprint

Engineer and Computer Scientist Tim Berners-Lee provides this rough guide. According to him, a car emits 720 kg of carbon gases per thousand pounds you spend on it.

A Volkswagen Golf, which emits CO2 at the rate of 123 kg/km, retails at about 19400 pounds. Manufacturing it will produce about 14 tonnes of CO2. It emits about 7.9 tonnes of CO2 on the road within five years. In total, it gives off about 22 tonnes of greenhouse gases.

Green Driving Tips

Buying a Used Car Green Driving Tips

Other than buying a used car, you can put in a few practices to ensure that your vehicle leaves a small carbon footprint. Green Driving protects your car and saves the Earth.

1. Drive smart and slow

First of all, how you drive determines how large your carbon footprint is. Your vehicle will emit fewer greenhouse gases if you avoid hard braking or accelerating. Don’t let your vehicle idle for more than 30 seconds.

2. Regular Maintenance

Also, ensure that your friendly mechanic services your car every few months. One that’s well-maintained drives smoothly and is fuel-efficient.

3. Use Renewable Fuels

Use EBS and biodiesel. These renewable fuels come from corn. Some vehicles can use EBS, which is 855 ethanol and 15% gasoline. Diesel vehicles may be able to use biodiesel.

4. Check your tires

Make sure that you drive with inflated tires. They ensure that your car performs at its best. Check the pressure on the door of the driver’s side of the vehicle.

5. Use the right oil

The kind of oil you put in your car affects its efficiency. Use eco-friendly oil when possible.

6. Shift gears

Do you drive a manual transmission vehicle? How you change gears can impact your fuel economy and eco-efficiency. Shift gears when the terrain requires to ensure that your car performs at its best. It will leave a small carbon footprint.

7. Walk whenever possible

Finally, the best way to be eco-friendly is not to drive to nearby places. You reduce greenhouse emissions and get some much-needed exercise.

In all, buying a used car will empower you and the environment. Get one today, and reduce your carbon footprint.

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