Things You'll Need:
- CarMD Handheld Device
- Tire Pressure Monitor
- Service Manual
- Emission Test Information
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Step 1
Avoid unnecessary driving by planning your trips wisely, making efficient routes and stops, and buying online when you can.
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Step 2
Keep your car well maintained by following your vehicle's service manual and getting regular oil changes.
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Step 3
Ensure proper tire maintenance, tread and inflation. A properly inflated tire can increase gas mileage 10 percent to 30 percent. (Ideal inflation should be listed on the sidewall of the tire).
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Step 4
Tighten the gas cap after every fill-up.
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Step 5
Limit idling. Did you know idling for over 10 seconds uses more gas and causes more pollution than simply restarting your engine?
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Step 6
Select the most efficient vehicle for your lifestyle (if you don't need an 8-seat SUV on a regular basis, don't buy one. Instead, consider renting a bigger vehicle for the few occasions in which you need it). If budget allows, consider purchasing a green vehicle, such as a hybrid.
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Step 7
Get your annual or bi-annual emissions test. A majority of states and some local agencies require you to get your car "smogged" before you can sell it or register it.
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Step 8
Never drive for extended periods of time with an illuminated "Check Engine" light. A product called CarMD (www.CarMD.com) is designed to help average drivers solve "Check Engine" problems. Since 1996, the U.S. government has required all cars, light trucks, SUVs and minivans - foreign and domestic -- to have an on-board diagnostic system. This early-warning system looks for problems associated with emission output and triggers the Check Engine light on when a problem occurs that could negatively affect the vehicle's emissions output. A Check Engine light can mean anything from a loose gas cap, which reduces gas mileage, to a more catastrophic and costly problem that can negatively impact a vehicle's safety and hurt the environment.
The CarMD handheld device plugs into any vehicle's dashboard to check for hidden problems in seconds. Drivers can use it to get road-trip ready, inspect used cars, solve engine problems and catch emissions-related problems before they can cause damage to the environment. Ten percent of all vehicles on the road today have an illuminated Check Engine light. You will not pass your state-mandated emissions ("smog") test if your check engine light is on. When a problem is found, the CarMD tester and PC software can tell you why it's on and let you generate a personalized diagnostic report with probable cause and estimated repair costs to help keep auto repair bills low.
