12 Steps to Having a Greener Car

Whether you’re driving around in a vehicle that’s old or new, large or small everyone can do a better job at “greening” up your car. We can all make our cars a bit more environmentally friendly by following some simple preventive maintenance steps that in turn will save you money in the long run.

1 - Keep your car tuned up: Changing the spark plugs in your car will help improve its gas mileage and reduce emissions. Can improve your gas mileage by up to 4% with a proper tune up

2 - Check and replace dirty air filters: A clogged air filter chokes off the air and can affect the overall performance of your car.

3 - Maintain the cooling system: Having your coolant, radiator, water pump and fan checked on a regular basis (at every oil change)

4 - Air Conditioning maintenance: Your vehicle’s air conditioning system should be inspected on a yearly basis

5 - Vehicle fuel system: your car’s fuel filter should be changed every 2 years or 24,000 miles. (varies with manufacturer and make)

6 - Emission systems: Exhaust and pollutants emissions are cut down by an array of sensors, computerized engine controls and exhaust components. Your technician has diagnostic computers to help determine if there are issues with your emissions

7 - Gas cap: A cracked or loose gas cap allows gas fumes to escape wasting fuel and polluting the air

8 - Tire checks: Maintaining proper tire pressure can improve gas mileage by over 3%

9 - Lighten the load: Carrying around a car full of junk causes an increase in gas usage.

10 - Drive smart: Avoid sudden stops and starts and stay close to the speed limit. Aggressive driving, rapid acceleration, speeding and braking can cause a loss of over 30% in gas mileage

11 - Oil changes: Regular oil changes help keep your car's engine running smoother and will increase the life of your car

12 - Brake, power steering and transmission flushes: Dirt, moisture, rust and corrosion can be kept at bay with regular flushes helping keep your vehicle on the road longer and with fewer repairs.

Maintain and repair your vehicle as needed. Regular service and maintenance is the most important thing you can do for your car to keep it running better and longer.

Pictured below is the sludge build up from not having regular oil changes costing the customer a very expensive valve job.

Information provided by The Car Care Council