(ARA) – The drivers, why not make every day Earth Day?

According to officials with the National Institute nonprofit for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), motorists can help the environment and their own finances by changing some habits. This may come as a surprise to those who think they should wait for hybrid or alternative fueled vehicles to be popular.

ASE recommends regular vehicle maintenance and better driving habits as two Can not “not action plans. Here are some specific, easy to implement tips from ASE.

- Keep the engine running at peak performance – a misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency up to 30 percent. Replace filters and fluids as recommended in your owner’s manual. A well-tuned engine pollutes less and consume less fuel than a vehicle unattended. Furthermore, engine performance problems only get worse if neglected.

- If you do your own repairs, be a good citizen. Dispose of engine fluids and batteries properly. A fourth single of used motor oil can pollute thousands of gallons of water. Antifreeze poured on the ground can poison wildlife and domestic animals. Some repair facilities accept used fluids and parts. Or call your local government for more information.

- Keep tires properly inflated and aligned. If your air pressure is low only a pound a few, that the force of the engine to work harder (read: burn more fuel) to move the vehicle only. The tires are misaligned also make your vehicle work harder. Consider, too, that poorly maintained tires wear out faster, which means more discards have to be scraped, recycled or sent to landfill.

- If you are not part of a do-it-yourselfer, find a good technician. Ask friends for recommendations. Check the reputation of the repair shop with your local consumer group. As for the credentials of technicians. ASE certified auto technicians have passed one or more national exams in specialties such as engine performance and air conditioning.

- Have your air conditioner repaired vehicle only by a certified technician to handle and recycle refrigerants. Older air conditioners contain chemicals that deplete the ozone, which could be released into the atmosphere through improper service.

- Avoid speeding and sudden accelerations. Both habits guzzle gas and put more wear and tear on your vehicle’s engine, transmission, steering and suspension system, and other components. Use cruise control and anticipate traffic patterns ahead. As a bonus, the brakes last longer.

- When waiting for friends or family, shut off the engine. Consolidate daily errands to eliminate unnecessary driving. And, yes, walk more often.

- Remove excess items from the truck of the vehicle, since less weight means better performance. Remove that roof luggage carrier after vacations to reduce air resistance.

If appeals to save the environment are not enough, consider this: A survey of ASE-certified automotive technicians indicated that a properly maintained vehicle should last 50 percent more than a careless. Good car care saves money and helps the environment – a win-win.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through voluntary testing and certification of automotive professionals . ASE certified technicians are ASE shoulder insignia blue and white and carry credentials listing their exact areas of certification. Their employers often the ASE sign.

To request a free brochure with tips for earth-friendly automotive, send a stamped, long: ASE Environment Brochure, Dept. ARA-2, 101 Blue Seal Dr., SE, Suite 101, Leesburg, Virginia, 20 175, or visit www. asecert. org for more information.

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