[edit] Green Car Maintenance Tips | 2008 Gas Mileage

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Most of us are looking for information and tips on how to reduce greenhouse gases and help the environment. Your car is an excellent area to start with. Not only can you change your driving habits to become more ‘green’ but the way you look after your vehicle can also be 'greened' up.  Any effort made will help the environment.

Here are seven tips to help ‘green’ up your car's maintenance routine:

1. Tires - Keep your vehicle tires properly inflated to the pressure that is recommended for your specific vehicle. If you don’t know what this pressure level should be, check the inside of the driver’s door frame or look in your owner’s manual. The information can always be found in these locations. The fuel economy decreases by one per cent for every three pounds of pressure your tires are below the recommended level. Therefore, take the time to check these levels on a regular basis.
2. Consider better tires such as low-rolling resistance replacement tires (LRR). These are technologically advanced tires designed to improve the fuel economy of the vehicle whereas typical tires can reduce a vehicle’s fuel economy by close to four per cent.  These have now become so popular; many manufacturers have turned to making this style tire of their own.
3. Monitor your fuel usage regularly. A sizeable change can indicate a problem with the engine or your brakes. Keeping an eye on this may prevent a developing issue from becoming a full-blown problem.
4. Change the oil in your vehicle. By replacing the oil and the oil filter on a regular basis, you will improve your fuel efficiency and help your vehicle to last longer. Again, the recommended period or mileage suggestions for when to change the oil and oil filter will be listed in the owner’s manual. When it is time to change the oil, make sure the oil is recycled. If you plan on taking your vehicle in for servicing, ask if the station recycles. If you are doing the work yourself, make sure you collect the oil and take it somewhere for recycling. You can also buy recycled oil as a replacement.
5. Don’t forget to take your vehicle in to have the emission control system checked. Make sure you don’t ignore the instrument panel warning light if it ever comes on. It’s important to take the vehicle in immediately if this does happen.
6. When fueling your vehicle, take care not to spill any at the gas station. Remember that gasoline fumes are both toxic and carcinogenic and will cause air pollution as well. Spilled gasoline is poisonous to the environment. It pollutes the water and poisons the ground. Be sure to use the type of fuel recommended in you owner’s manual. High-octane fuels, unless required by your vehicle will not improve your fuel economy.
   
7. Take your vehicle in for regular tune-ups. It doesn’t matter if you do it yourself or take it to your mechanic just realize that tune-ups can increase your fuel efficiency. Again, look at your owner’s manual to see the manufacturer’s guidelines. As part of the tune up, make sure to check or have checked:

               * The spark plugs

               * The brakes
               * Transmission fluid levels

               * Wheels alignment

               * The tires 

               * The air filter

If taking your vehicle in for servicing, check with the service station that all fluids and parts are recycled or disposed of safely. It takes a little more effort to learn how to be ‘green’ in today’s world but once learned, living a greener lifestyle is relatively easily.