In recognition of Earth Day on Monday, April 22, your Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO) are sharing small, yet significant ways to protect the environment and your wallet.
Drive Green
• Avoid prolonged idling. It can build up fuel residue, eventually damaging engine parts and increasing fuel consumption.
• Avoid sudden starts and stops to maximize your mileage and decrease wear and tear on your car.
• Lighten the load. Get the junk out of the trunk to save gas.
Filling up
• Check your gas cap for damage. According to the Car Care Council, about 17% of vehicles on the road have loose, damaged or missing caps, causing 147 million gallons to vaporize every year.
• Topping off your tank can also send harmful vapors into the environment.
Routine maintenance
• Having clean air filters will help your car run more efficiently and burn less gas.
• Keep tires properly inflated and aligned. According to the Car Care Council, around 2 billion gallons of gas each year could be saved if tires were properly inflated. Improperly inflated tires make the engine work harder and increase fuel costs.
• If you do your own repairs, be sure to properly dispose of engine fluids and batteries. Contact your city/town for hazardous material drop off and recycling information.
NARPRO helps car owners find skilled and honest car repair shops. The group only recommend independent, family-owned, full-service auto repair shops that have passed 26 rigorous tests. Visit NARPRO.com or call 602-257-0033 to find recommended shops near work or home. NARPRO is the easiest way to find an honest mechanic in the Valley.
