Just as in medicine, prevention is often the best approach to environmentalism.  Operations and maintenance, or O&M, refer to giving certain objects or appliances the proper care and use to keep them functioning optimally, thus preventing them from becoming harmful to the environment.  I will be dedication the DIY posts to various O&M procedures for the rest of the month—today’s post will be all about ways to keep your car running at its most efficient.

Tire pressure: According to NHTSA, you should check your tire pressure at least once a month; proper pressure can increase gas mileage by 3.3% and even a small drop in pressure can have a significant effect.  Properly used tires also last longer, preventing them from becoming waste sooner than necessary.

Air filter: Your car’s air filter should be replaced once a year to prevent buildup from overtaxing the engine as it draws in air.  If you live in a dusty area, consider replacing the filter twice a year.

Keep clean: Keeping the exterior of your car clean reduces wind resistance, and keeping the interior free of any heavy loads improves gas mileage.

Regular service: Possibly the most important part of caring for a car is to get it serviced regularly because certain car parts can be operating below optimal levels without it becoming detectable to the driver.  For example, as spark plugs are worn out, they ignite the fuel less efficiently, reducing fuel efficiency.