6 Earth-Friendly Tips to Keep Your Car "Green" While Saving You Money

By: John Hernandez Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Increasingly, hybrid vehicles and Earth-friendly alternative fuel vehicles continue to gain major media attention as well as an ever-expanding market share. Additionally, organizations such as Automobile Associations as well as counties and other municipalities have been holding somewhat regular disposal drives to ensure that both batteries and tiers are disposed of in a manner that is environmentally sound.

However, even if you aren't ready to trade in your car for a hybrid or you don't have a yard full of old tires or a stack of old car batteries in your garage, there are two easy-to-follow strategies that everyone can adopt to have a meaningful impact on the environment: regularly maintaining your vehicle and following better driving habits.

Follow these tips and you'll be on the road to a greener experience as you use your car.

* In order to maximize your vehicle's MPG, keep your car running at peak performance. Follow your manufacturer's maintenance intervals without fail, and not only will the engine burn less fuel, but it will last as long as possible. Don't ignore the "check engine" light as it can often indicate a problem in the emission system.

* Make sure your repair shop is environmentally friendly. You can either ask friends or check for recommendations with your local Automobile Association. While it's uncommon today, there are shops that don't handle their waste the way they should.

* Make sure your tires are properly inflated, and remember to check the tire pressure on a regular basis. Under inflated tires lead to poor fuel mileage and over inflated tires lead to faster tire wear.

* Make sure your air conditioning system is serviced by a shop that's certified in working on these systems. Certification indicates that they have been trained and equipped to properly handle and recycle refrigerant so that these chemicals which can deplete the ozone layer aren't released into the atmosphere.

* Older vehicles might have switches in the hood and trunk that contain mercury. Again, many organizations and some municipalities have programs where these toxic and environmentally hazardous old parts are replaced with more environmentally-friendly mechanical switches - usually at a minimal cost.

* Follow the posted speed limits, accelerate gradually, and avoid fast starts. If you're able to break old habits and go a little easier on the gas pedal, you'll save gas.

* Make sure you follow local regulations concerning disposal of engine fluids. Never put fluids on or into the ground or in any manner which could allow them to reach groundwater or any other water source. As mentioned above, also make sure you properly dispose of batteries. Most automotive stores will take your old battery for recycling when you purchase a new one - for a minimal fee.

Keeping your vehicle in top running condition and practicing more fuel-efficient driving habits help conserve fuel, help reduce pollution-causing emissions, will help your vehicle last as long as possible, and will be much safer for you and your family. This means that in these ways, your environmentally friendly actions help the Earth and help you.

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