The world is changing. It’s a phrase we always hear, but what does it mean? In short, it means that our planet is in trouble. The climate is changing, the ice caps are melting, and sea levels are rising. We’re running out of resources, creating more pollution daily.
We can do many things to save the planet, but it starts with making small changes in our everyday lives. The first step to becoming more environmentally friendly is to use eco-friendly products. These products have been created with the environment in mind and can help us reduce our impact on the planet.
Many types of eco-friendly products are available, and you can even find eco-friendly cars! They often come with other features that make them friendlier to the environment. Here are the six best car features to look for when shopping for a new car.
Hybrid or electric engine
A hybrid or electric car is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an eco-friendly car. These types of cars don’t use as much fuel as traditional gasoline cars and emit less pollution. Electric cars are the most environmentally friendly option, but they can be more expensive to buy and maintain.
The Tesla Model 3 is a popular electric car. It has a range of up to 322 miles on a single charge. This is one of the more affordable electric cars on the market, with a starting price of $35,000.
If you’re not ready to switch to an electric car, a hybrid might be a good option. Hybrid vehicles have electric and gasoline engines, so they use less fuel than traditional gas cars. The Toyota Prius is a popular hybrid car that gets up to 54 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway.
Fuel economy
Another critical factor to consider when shopping for an eco-friendly car is fuel economy. This is the amount of fuel that the vehicle uses per kilometer traveled. The higher the fuel economy, the less power the car will use and the less pollution it will emit.
A boxer engine is a type of engine with pistons that move horizontally rather than up and down that is more efficient than traditional engines and often results in better fuel economy. One car with boxer engines includes the Subaru BRZ, known for its excellent handling, performance, and fuel economy. Maintenance is not a common issue for Subaru either, so you can feel good knowing that you’re not only saving money on gas but also on repairs.
But suppose you should have car difficulties along the road. In that case, you may visit a reputable Subaru repair shop that will provide you with honest and precise auto repair estimates. With its reputation for producing environmentally friendly and durable vehicles, you will just visit your trusted auto repair shop for regular maintenance and inspections.
Eco-friendly materials
These materials have been sourced in an environmentally responsible way, and they often have a lower impact on the environment than traditional materials. One example of an eco-friendly material is bamboo. Bamboo is a fast-growing grass, and it can be used to create a variety of products.
It’s also biodegradable, so it won’t end up in a landfill when you’re done with it. You can find bamboo in several car features, from the seats to the dashboards, and you can even find bamboo floor mats! Some cars that use bamboo in their interiors are the Lexus 450, BMW 7 Series, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Water-based paint
Another eco-friendly car feature to look for is water-based paint. This paint type doesn’t contain harmful chemicals, and it’s made with water instead of petroleum. Water-based paint is also better for the environment because it doesn’t release as many toxic fumes.
Some cars that are available with water-based paint include the Subaru Outback, Toyota RAV4, and Honda CR-V.
Recycled materials
Many car manufacturers are using recycled materials in their vehicles to help reduce their impact on the environment. Recycled materials can be used in some different car parts, from the seats to the dashboards.
For example, Subaru uses recycled plastic in the seats of their vehicles. This recycled plastic comes from items like water bottles and milk jugs. You can also find recycled materials in the Honda Civic, which uses recycled aluminum in the hood and has recycled seat fabric.
Lightweight materials
Another way cars can be made more eco-friendly is by using lightweight materials. Lightweight materials are easier to produce and require less energy to transport. They also often have a lower impact on the environment than traditional materials.
One example of a lightweight material that’s often used in cars is carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is strong and durable, but it’s also much lighter than steel. This means that it requires less energy to move and emits less pollution.
Some cars that use carbon fiber include the BMW i3, Chevrolet Corvette, and Tesla Model S.
All in all
These are just a few of the many eco-friendly car features you can look for when shopping for a new car. By choosing a car with some or all of these features, you can help to reduce your impact on the environment. You can also enjoy other benefits, like better fuel economy and lowers maintenance costs.