Cars will probably never be completely eco-friendly, but there are some steps that drivers can take to minimize their impact on the environment. As an added bonus, many of these eco-friendly tips and upgrades are also going to end up saving you money in the long run.

Follow the Suggested Maintenance Schedule

One of the single best things that you can do for your vehicle is to follow the manufacturer's suggested maintenance schedule. That schedule is going to keep your car running as efficiently as possible and minimize your risk of serious mechanical damage. Every vehicle is slightly different, but you will probably need to change the oil, check the other fluids, and rotate the tires at least once every few months.

Repair Damaged Parts Immediately

Even if you go to great lengths to keep your vehicle well-maintained, you are probably going to run into at least a few mechanical problems over the years. Unfortunately, even relatively minor mechanical problems could have a huge impact on the environment. If you don’t work with a car repair shop, then your vehicle could end up spilling toxic materials all over the road whenever you run an errand or head to work.

Drive Consistently

When it comes to the fuel efficiency of a vehicle, how you drive is extremely important. You are going to use up quite a bit of fuel if you are constantly racing down the street or accelerating as quickly as possible whenever the light turns green. Gently accelerating and then staying at a consistent speed will reduce your fuel consumption and make your vehicle much more eco-friendly.

Properly Inflate Your Tires

Many drivers are surprised to hear that tire pressure can have a very big impact on a vehicle’s handling and fuel efficiency. If your vehicle’s tires aren’t at the proper pressure, then you could be wasting hundreds of gallons of gas every single year. Improperly inflating your tires is also going to result in quite a bit of damage to the rubber, and that means the tires will need to be replaced fairly often. To figure out the ideal tire pressure for your vehicle, you can check your vehicle’s door jamb sticker.

While you should be able to carry out minor vehicle maintenance on your own, major repairs should usually be left to experienced mechanics. Many repair shops have excellent warranties, and that is going to give you peace of mind knowing that the repair was done correctly.