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By changing a few habits, you can do their part in helping the environment, say the experts at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE recommends regular vehicle maintenance and better driving habits as two easy-to-implement strategies. What’s more, improved automotive habits will help your vehicle last longer and command a better resale price.

The following tips from ASE can put you on the road to environmentally conscious car care:            

The worst is over, we’re thinking. With winter officially behind us, we need only look to warmer days ahead. Not so for those who suffer from seasonal allergies. A short winter season followed by an early spring – as we have experienced lately – may only hasten the onset of allergens and pollen in the air causing an itchy and runny nose, teary eyes, sneezing and congestion in those who are prone to allergies.

Most car owners know that they need to change their vehicle’s oil and filter periodically, even though they may not always follow the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) recommended schedule.  The type of oil their car needs is usually easy to figure out. It is specified in the owner’s manual, which will indicate both the quality and viscosity (thickness) of the recommended engine oil.

With no end in sight to rising gas prices, consumers who modify their driving habits and properly maintain their vehicles will get more miles per gallon. The Car Care Council recommends the following ways to drive smart and save gas money:

The buzz around ‘extended oil change intervals’ for passenger cars and SUVs is everywhere. Some vehicle manufacturers are recommending longer oil change intervals. Oil companies are offering oils that they promote as having extended life. And motorists, pressured by the challenges of a tight economy and a hectic lifestyle, like the prospect of fewer trips to their repair shop or local quick lube to get their car’s oil changed.

A Fouled Engine Air Filter Can Damage The Mass Air Flow Sensor

With the days of carburetors behind us, the electronic fuel injection system in the cars we drive today is king. While carburetors mixed the air and fuel together and the mixture was sucked into the cylinder and burned, modern electronically controlled fuel injection injects the right amount of fuel, at the right time for optimum fuel efficiency and economy, and driving performance. But the question remains, how does it know what that ‘right amount’ is and when’s the ‘right time’ to inject?

Giving the gift of tender loving care to one’s vehicle will pay off in terms of dependability and performance this Valentine’s Day, according to the Car Care Council.

“When that gift translates into maintenance, motorists can expect a positive and tangible response from their vehicle in terms of dependability and performance,” said Rich White of the Car Care Council.

Although much is made of the high cost of car maintenance and repair, rarely do people think about paying attention to low-cost items that could, if neglected, bring high cost consequences. Take for example the oil filter or engine air filter. These are often undervalued as a maintenance item because more misconceptions exist about them than any other part on a vehicle.  Some of these fallacies are listed below.

You always have a ‘choice,’ even where something simple is concerned – even something as simple as your car’s engine air filter. Say you’ve been driving around without having changed your car’s engine air filter in a while. You can choose to buy one for $15-20 and install it yourself or perhaps with the helping hand of a friendly parts store clerk. Or, down the road, you may find yourself shopping for a laundry list of parts and a reliable repair shop.

Under these circumstances, your shopping list could include:

• Piston rings - $120