Climate Change&You

What yoU

can do on the road

The burning of fuels 

releases carbon dioxide 

into the atmosphere 

and contributes to 

climate change. By 

taking actions to reduce 

the amount of fuel you 

use, you can reduce 

your greenhouse gas 

emissions, reduce the 

nation’s dependence on 

oil, and save money. 

Resources

Federal Fuel Economy Guide: 

www.fueleconomy.gov/ 

Federal Bicycle and Pedestrian 

Program: www.fhwa.dot.gov/

environment/bikeped/ 

Public Transportation Web site: 

www.publictransportation.org/ 

EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide: 

www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/

DOE’s Alternative 

Fueling Station Locator: 

http://www.afdc.energy.gov/

afdc/locator/stations/ 

EPA’s Climate Change: What You 

Can Do on the Road Web site: 

www.epa.gov/climatechange/

wycd/road.html

1. Buy smart

Before buying a new or used vehicle (or even renting), check out EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide 

and the jointly run EPA/DOE Fuel Economy Guide. These resources provide information about 

the emissions and fuel economy performance of different vehicles. The Green Vehicle Guide 

provides detailed information on emissions (including air pollution and greenhouse gas scores 

for each model), and the Fuel Economy Guide focuses on fuel efficiency (including side-by-side 

fuel economy comparisons and a customized fuel cost calculator). 

2. Drive smart

To improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, go easy on the 

brakes and gas pedal, avoid hard accelerations, reduce time spent idling, and unload 

unnecessary items in your trunk to reduce weight. If you have a removable roof rack and 

you are not using it, take it off to improve your fuel economy by as much as 5 percent. Use 

overdrive and cruise control on your car if you have those features.

3. Tune your ride

A well-maintained car is more fuel-efficient, produces lower greenhouse gas emissions, 

is more reliable, and is safer! Keep your car well-tuned, follow the manufacturer’s 

maintenance schedule, and use the recommended grade of motor oil. Also check and 

replace your vehicle’s air filter regularly.

4. Check your tires

Check your tire pressure regularly. Under-inflation increases tire wear, reduces your fuel 

economy by up to 3 percent, and leads to increased emissions of greenhouse gases and 

air pollutants. If you don’t know the correct tire pressure for your vehicle, you can find it 

listed on the door to the glove compartment or on the driver’s side door pillar.

5. Give your car a break

Use public transportation, carpool, or walk or bike whenever possible to avoid using 

your car. Leaving your car at home just two days a week will reduce greenhouse gas 

emissions by an average of 1,600 pounds per year. Whenever possible, combine activities 

and errands into one trip. For daily commuting, consider options such as telecommuting 

(working from home via phone or over the Internet) that can reduce the stress of 

commuting, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save you money.

6. Use renewable fuels

Both E85 and biodiesel are renewable fuels that 

can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 

your vehicle. E85 is a fuel blend containing 

85 percent renewable ethanol, and 

can be used in certain vehicles called 

flex fuel vehicles (FFVs). Biodiesel is a 

renewable fuel made from agricultural 

resources such as vegetable oils. DOE’s 

Alternative Fueling Station Locator can 

help you locate both E85 and biodiesel 

fuel stations in your area.

Office of Air and Radiation (6207J) 

EPA 430-F-07-008

www.epa.gov 

June 2007 

Printed with Vegetable Oil Based Inks on Recycled Paper

(Minimum 50% Postconsumer) 

Process Chlorine Free