o-EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Air And Radiation
(6406J)
IO-K-93-001
September 1993
(or Truck)
v
Environment
An
Environmental
Guide For Owners
and Drivers of
Cars, Vans, Trucks
and Other
Motor Vehicles
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MYTH: Emissions controls have a negative
effect on vehicle performance.
FACT: An efficiently operating engine or
vehicle will use its fuel more completely and
get better performance and gas mileage.
Generally, this will also result in the lowest
emissions. Emission control systems are an
integral part of the drive train of modern cars
and trucks, which are designed to get the
most performance, durability and gas mileage
while still controlling emissions. Removing,
disabling, or modifying emissions controls is
not only illegal, but will usually result in poorer
performance and gas mileage and higher
emissions.
MYTH: Emission control devices have
stopped air pollution from cars and trucks.
FACT: Control measures have dramatically
reduced pollutant emissions per vehicle over
the past 20 years, but the number of cars and
trucks on the road and the miles they are
driven have doubted. Vehicles are now driven
two trillion miles each year in the United
States. With more and more cars traveling
more and more miles, growth in vehicle travel
may eventually offset progress in vehicle
emission controls.
FACT: Today's sophisticated emission control
systems are designed to keep pollution to a
minimum. But vehicles quickly become
polluters when their emission controls
malfunction or are tampered with. Major
malfunctions can cause emissions to
skyrocket.
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FACT: Nationwide, two-thirds of carbon
monoxide (a poisonous gas) emissions and
nearly half the smog-forming emissions come
from mobile sources such as motor vehicles.
In urban areas, at least half of the air
pollutants that become smog are caused by
gasoline-powered vehicles or equipment.
Transportation is responsible for about one-
third of the air pollutants that affect the ozone
layer. Over half of the air-toxics problems
associated with air pollution are attributable to
emissions from mobile sources.
All Of Which Means
Motor vehicles are so much a part of society
that almost everybody breathes their
emissions. The size, weight, and shape of
each one, the fuel it uses, the gas mileage it
gets, and the way it is driven and maintained
all affect the amount of energy consumed and
the amount of exhaust emissions that
contribute to unhealthy air, and other serious
environmental problems. Put another way, the
amount you drive, what you drive, how you
drive, and the way your car is maintained, all
can affect the amount of fuel used, and can
lower the pollutant emissions of all potential
sources—from the refinery to the gasoline
pump nozzle to the vehicle tailpipe.
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CONTENTS
In the Showroom
Behind the Wheel
At the Pump
In frte Shop
2
4
9
12
Recycling Parts & Fluids 19
This pamphlet was developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) in consultation with the U.S. Departments of Energy and
Transportation, the Consumer Information Center of the General Services
Administration, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, the
Automotive Training Managers Council, the American Lung Association, and the
National Tire Dealers and Retreaders Association.
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(or Truck)
Your Car and the Environment
A
You and everyone who drives,
repairs, or services your vehicle
have an important part to play in
protecting the environment What you
drive, how you drive, and how you
care for your vehicle and dispose of
used fluids and parts can affect the
quality of the air and water, the safety
and availability of landfills and other
solid waste disposal systems, and the
ozone layer above the earth's surface
that protects all living things from
ultraviolet radiation.
This pamphlet suggests ways you
can help protect the environment
through:
• Good driving practices.
• Proper car maintenance.
• Recycling automotive items.
• Following manufacturers'
operational recommendations.
• Considering the environment when
buying a car.
By so doing, you can reduce the
pollutants your car produces. These
common sense practices are not costly.
Thus, while conserving the earth's
resources, you will be conserving your
own.
Talk about the following
information with everyone in your
household who drives, and keep the
pamphlet handy (perhaps in the glove
compartment) for ready reference,
along with your vehicle owner's
manual. That manual can be an
environmentally aware driver's best
friend, with its information about
everything from maintenance schedules
to parts specifications and numbers to
warranty provisions for your vehicle's
emission control system. By following
the manual's recommendations, you
will keep the vehicle in top operating
condition, get the best possible fuel
economy, and emit the least possible
pollution. If you don't have an owner's
manual, get one from the manufacturer
or a nearby dealer.
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In the Showroom
The choices you make when you
purchase a vehicle can be a measure of
how much you care about the
environment and how "environment
friendly" you and your vehicle will be.
There are all sizes and shapes, big
engines and small, different sizes and
shapes of tires, varied fuel requirements
and all kinds of options that affect
mileage. So when you sort through
this wide world of cars, vans, light
trucks, and special purpose vehicles to
determine what you need, consider
these environmental factors:
Gas Mileage
A new car or truck's Environmental
Protection Agency/Department of
Energy fuel economy label (usually in
full view on one of the windows) is an
important guide to energy conservation.
It tells you the estimated miles per
gallon (MPG) of the vehicle under both
city and highway operating conditions.
Use the label in conjunction with
the annual EPAfDOE Gas Mileage Guide
that tells you, within each vehicle class
(based on interior volume, not external
dimensions) the gas mileage for each
car or truck. The guide will help you
compare vehicles in the same class to
identify those with better mileage.
Copies of this Guide are available
without charge at all new car
dealerships, from the Consumer
Information Center, Pueblo, CO 81009,
or by calling the Department of Energy,
1-800-523-2929, or the National
Technical Information Service at 1-800-
553-NTIS. The information is also
reported annually in Consumer Reports
and Kiplinger's Personal Finance, which
can be found in most local libraries.
Past issues of the Guide are also
available from NTIS at the above toll-
free number (or write to NTIS, 5285
Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA
22161).
If you're buying a used car or
truck, an economy label will not be
attached, but you can check the Guide
for the mode] year of the vehicle you
are considering. If the engine is in good
working order the Guide for that year is
a good source of comparative
information.
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Fuel Efficient Shapes
There are a number of design features
and options that reduce or increase
drag. Check the list below and keep the
pros and cons in mind when you are
considering a vehicle purchase.
Design features that decrease the
drag effect and fuel use:
• More streamlined front end.
• Lower vehicle height.
• Smooth wheel covers.
• Flush windows.
• Sealed openings or body design spaces.
* Underbody panels.
• Optimized slope of windshield angle
Design features that increase the
amount of drag.
• Oversize outside rearview mirrors.
• Pop up headlamps.
• Brake-cooling devices.
• Roof-and trunk-mounted luggage and
ski racks.
• Oversized tires.
What About Alternative Fuels?
Even though gasoline is being made
cleaner than in the past, there are many
alternative fuels—such as natural gas,
propane, ethanol, methanol, and
electricity— beginning to come onto the
market that are inherently cleaner than
gasoline Each of these fuels has
advantages and disadvantages relative
to gasoline, but all could be made from
domestic energy resources such as
natural gas, coal, or farm products,
thereby reducing the nation's
dependence on imported oil.
Vehicles that can be converted to
use such fuels might be available in
your part of the country. It is not easy
or cheap to convert a gasoline vehicle
to use a different fuel. Such conversions
should only be done by trained
mechanics. In some areas, there are
companies that specialize in converting
gasoline cars to natural gas and
propane. It is better to purchase a
vehicle designed and warranted for
alternative fuel use directly from the
manufacturer. By the mid-1990's there
will likely be a number of alternative
fuel vehicles offered for sale. Only a
small number of electric cars are now
being produced, but state laws, like
California's, that require the use of a
certain percentage of alternative fuel
vehicles will boost the market for them
and, hence, production.
For more information on alternative
fuels, call the National Alternative
Fuels hotline 1-800-423-1363.
New Air-Conditioner
Refrigerants
Because of the impending January 1996
ban on the manufacture of refrigerants
made with environmentally unfriendly
CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), some new
models are now using a different
refrigerant, but most vehicles now on
the market still use CFCs. See the
section on maintaining car air
conditioners.
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When Buying a Used Vehicle
Depending upon the condition,
mileage, and age of a used vehicle, you
might ask a number of environment-
related questions. For example: Does
it meet applicable state emissions
standards? And when was it last
officially inspected? If it doesn't meet
the required emission standards, it
shouldn't be on the road unless the
emissions control system is repaired,
which may be costly. Does it have a
valid I/M inspection?
In the 1970s, high levels of lead in
the nation's air became a major health
concern, especially for children.
Beginning in 1974, EPA launched a
major new program to phase out lead
in the nation's gasoline. As a result,
lead emissions have dropped by 97
percent from 1970 levels. By 1992,
about 95 percent of all gasoline sold in
the U.S. was lead-free, and leaded
gasoline will be banned in this country
beginning in 1996.
The Impact of Older Cars
According to the U.S. Department of Transpor-
tation, twenty-one percent of Hie cars on the road
today in the United States are more than twelve
years old, as compared to twelve percent in
1980. The impact of older vehicles on air and
water quality, noise, fuel use, safety, and
congestion is far greater than the share of travel
in which they are involved. If the fleet age mix
were the same today as it was in 1980, carbon
monoxide emissions alone would be less than
half of what they are today. Likewise, DOT says,
new-car fuel economy went from 13 miles-per-
galton in the early 70s to 27.5 by the middle 80s,
and this does not include the loss of fuel
efficiency that occurs because of age. Retiring
older cars can improve the environment,
particularly in areas that are struggling to attain
mandated air-quality standards.
Behind
the Wheel
The environmental benefits of reducing
fuel consumption are substantial. Every
step in the fuel production and
distribution chain represents a potential
for pollution. This potential—ranging
from air and water pollution to oil
spills—is minimized by reducing the
total amount of fuel moving through
the system.
Common sense suggests that fuel-
effident cars pollute less than gas
guzzlers. While there is a direct link
between fuel consumption and certain
vehicle emissions, the connection does
not always hold true.
An increase in fuel consumption
has a direct and proportional affect on
the amount of carbon dioxide emissions
and tends to increase some other
pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and
evaporative hydrocarbons. Carbon
monoxide and exhaust hydrocarbon
emissions are more closely tied to how
much the vehicle is driven and how
well the emission controls are
functioning.
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Driving Habits Matter
Avoid High Speeds
Doubling a vehicle's speed, quadruples
the air resistance it encounters. The
average driver in the United States
exceeds the speed limit on open
highways by approximately five miles
per hour. For every mile-per-hour over
55 mph, the average car or truck loses
almost two percent in gas mileage.
That means billions of gallons of
gasoline are being wasted.
The Department of Transportation
says if highway speeds were observed
by all of us across the nation, the
pollutants from about 4 million gallons
of gasoline per day could be kept out
of the air.
In addition, driving at high speeds
causes heat build-up that accelerates
tire wear because rubber deteriorates
more rapidly at higher temperature.
Cornering too fast also causes
excessive, uneven tread wear and a
bumpy ride when tires are rotated.
Drive Smoothly
Driving smoothly saves gas and lowers
emissions; steady speeds save money.
Accelerating slowly from a full stop
takes a lot less gas. And if you gain
speed slowly, you'll save as much as
two miles per gallon. "Jackrabbit starts",
on the other hand, use up to 50 percent
more gas than easy starts.
If you have a standard trans-
mission, shift to higher gears at the
lowest possible speed; with automatics,
you'll move into higher gear faster if
you accelerate gently.
If your car is equipped with
overdrive or cruise control, be sure to
use the overdrive gear when your
speed dictates. Your owner's manual
will give you further information. Use
cruise control if you have it.
Sudden stops and starts increase
tire wear. Even in stop-and-go traffic,
slow gently to a halt, and avoid
"Jackrabbit" starts.
Idling Wastes Fuel—So Does
Revving the Engine
Idling engines waste gas; so don't start
your car until you're ready to move,
and avoid long idles. Limit car warm-
ups in winter. Stop the engine if you
arc going to be idling for an extended
period of time such as in stalled traffic
or a long line at a drive-in window.
Or, if you see a long line at a drive-
in window, park the vehicle and go
inside to be served.
Many old-timers think revving the
engine before turning it off "cleans out
the sludge," but it wastes gas and can
also dump raw gas on the cylinder
walls. This can increase engine wear by
washing away the protective oil film.
Revving can also overheat your
catalytic converter, making it less
effective and possibly damaging it.
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Avoid Drag
If you drive with the windows open
more drag is created. Roof-mounted
racks increase drag by up to 40 percent
and even more if you stack luggage,
bicycles or skis on the roof and back of
the car. While vacation and travel
needs may occasionally dictate using
overhead or rear-end racks, use a
removable type or, if possible, put the
things you are carrying inside the car
or in the trunk. Keep in mind, however,
that the weight of what you carry in
your car's trunk will affect gas mileage
as well. The heavier the load, the
greater the drag. Every extra TOO
pounds costs you about half-a-mile-per-
gallon. So remove heavy items when it
really isn't necessary to carry them.
Turn Air Into Oil
You can turn air into oil simply by keeping your
tires properly inflated. According to the
Department of Energy, Americans could save
100,000 barrels ot oil a day (four million gallons
of gasoline} by properly inflating their tires. How
tires are used— personal driving styles, the
condition of the streets and highways, the type of
vehicle, and the kind of routine tire maintenance
you perform—influences their life and
performance. If your fjres are under-inflated by
just 4 pounds, it will cost you a half-mile-per-
gallon.
There are other benefits to maintaining your
tires. Safety is the most important. A poorly
aligned wheel or an improperly balanced,
excessively worn tire can be dangerous when
roads or weather are poor. And, when you
properly maintain your tires, they last longer
(which saves you money), thus easing the scrap
tire management problem. If everyone property
maintained their tires, the number of tires
disposed of in the United States would be cut by
as much as half!
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Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
Under-inflation shortens the life of a
tire and decreases gas mileage. For
every pound per square inch (psi)
below the proper level, there is an
average increase in fuel consumption of
0.4 percent
The maximum pressure printed on
the sidewall is not always the optimum
pressure for your vehicle or driving
situation. Newer cars have a label on
the inside edge of the driver's door
listing the recommended tire pressures
for varying speeds and loads. Your
owners manual may have instructions
for special situations that require
different inflation. You should check
the pressure on all four tires every two
weeks with an accurate hand-held air
pressure gauge-service station built-in
air pump gauges are sometimes
inaccurate.
Tire pressure changes with
temperature. Check and adjust the
pressure to the manufacturer-specified
level when the tire is cold—when the
car has been sitting for three hours or
longer.
Avoid Rough Roads and
Potholes
They're hard on your tires and wheel
alignment. Report road problems to
your local or state highway department.
Make Fewer Trips
Emissions and fuel consumption are
functions of both number of miles
driven and number of trips taken. This
is because your car burns more gas and
emits far more pollution in the first few
minutes of operation, before emission
controls have warmed up and reach
peak efficiency. You save money and
reduce pollution by making fewer trips.
Plan Your Trips
Consolidate errands and visits into a
single trip. Whenever possible, drive to
a central location and park, then walk
to your various destinations. In other
words, make the most of your time
behind the wheel. Also, try to drive
during off-peak, non-rush-hours so as
to spend less time on the road.
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Use Carpools
Consider carpooling to work or
ridesharing on other trips where you
are part of a group heading for the
same place. Many communities and
private employers provide rideshare-
coordinating services. Call your local
municipal transportation department or
personnel department to see if such
help is available to you.
Here's how carpooling cuts vehicle
emissions: Suppose 100 employees of a
company who normally drive 20 miles
to work and back (10 miles each way)
decide to commute in pairs instead of
driving alone. In two weeks' time, their
choice would eliminate 10,000 miles of
vehicle travel. They would save:
• 75 pounds of hydrocarbons,
• 30 pounds of nitrogen oxides
• 550 pounds of carbon monoxide
• 9,900 pounds of carbon dioxide
• 500 gallons of gasoline
Using Mass Transit
Most Americans depend on private vehicles to
meet their daily transportation needs, but other
options are available. You can help protect the
environment by using mass transit—buses,
subways, commuter rail-lines , vanpools. By so
doing, you can reduce automotive emissions of
air pollutants, gasoline consumption and lire
wear, and overall vehicle usage,
Many people think of buses as major
polluters because of their smoke and odor. This
is because buses use diesel fuel, which emits
more particulate matter than gasoline
combustion, But a diesel bus carrying 20
passengers emits about one-tenth the
hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide, one-third as
much carbon dioxide, and about the same
nitrogen oxide as 20 cars carrying one person
each. Further, new federal particulate emissions
standards which take effect over the next few
years should make the smokey bus a memory.
Here are some examples of potential fuel
savings (though total savings are somewhat
reduced when buses, for example, run with small
loads or are dead-heading back to their
garages.)
• A transit bus with as few as seven passengers
uses less fuel per passenger mile than a typical
car with only a driver in it A transit bus with a
full rush hour load of 44 passengers uses much
less fuel than 11 cars with 4 passengers each.
• A fully loaded rail car is 15 times more energy
efficient than the average car.
• Increasing mass transit ridership by 10 percent
in the live largest metropolitan areas would save
135 million gallons of gasoline a year, while also
reducing emissions of air pollutants.
• Boosting the occupancy of automobiles in rush
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hour from one to two persons would save 40
million gallons of gasoline a day (or over 15
percent of U.S. gasoline consumption), while
reducing the number of vehicles on the road.
(Source American Public Transit Association)
Other Alternate Transportation
When possible, riding a bike or walking are the
best choices of all.
When going on vacation, use chartered
buses and guided tours instead of driving around
on your own, and complement your driving with
bicycle tours, hiking, canoeing, and self-guided
walking tours.
Bicycling
This is often an inexpensive, feasible, and
environmentally sound change from using a
motor vehicle. All bicycle trips represent a 100
percent drop in vehicle emissions. The US
Department of Transportation believes that, with
adequate facilities available, bicycle commuting
could rise 500 percent over current national
levels—a drop of ten million drivers on the road
each day.
At the Pump
Gasoline Selection
A vehicle's emissions are highly
dependent on the fuel it uses. Therefore
it is important that you use the correct
fuel for your car or truck, as
recommended in your owner's manual.
Follow Manufacturer's Octane-
Level Recommendations
Don't buy a higher octane gasoline than
your engine needs (producing higher
octane fuels uses more crude oil than
the lower octane gasolines, and may
often involve use of toxic substances,
which means the environment suffers).
Octane is not a measure of the fuel's
power or quality. Using a higher octane
does not necessarily increase the
engine's performance, so check your
owner's manual to find out whaf s right
for your car. Although only 20 percent
of today's vehicles require premium,
high octane fuel accounts for 30 percent
of current gasoline sales. If you do need
a higher-octane fuel in your car—
u
generally in turbo-charged or high-
performance vehicles—you will
probably hear the pinging sound of
engine-knock when lower octane fuel is
used. Consult your owner's manual for
the right grad e to use.
Misfueling, or fuel switching
Misfueling is the use of leaded gasoline
in a vehicle designed solely for
unleaded fuels. Until recently it was a
significant environmental concern, but
as leaded gasoline becomes harder to
find it is no longer common.
Avoid Releasing Gasoline Vapors
When refueling, don't overfill the tank.
Stop when the pump automatically
shuts off. Going beyond the pump's
automatic cutoff increases the
likelihood of a gasoline spill, and the
release of harmful gasoline vapors.
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When gasoline is pumped from a
relatively cool underground tank into
the warmer air above ground, its
volume naturally expands. On a hot
day, a vehicle filled to its limit may
expel gasoline before it has been driven
far enough to lower the fuel level.
Spilled gasoline may damage paint or
tires. (And gasoline that evaporates or
spills is money that vanishes into thin
air.) The same precautions against
sloppy handling when refueling should
be applied when you're gassing up
outdoor power equipment and
outboard motors.
In some parts of the country,
service stations are installing vapor
controls on their pumps to help reduce
air pollution.
Replace the Gas Tank Cap Tightly
After refueling, put your gas-tank cap
back on tightly. The cap on your tank is
a part of the vehicle's evaporative
emission control system and is
designed to prevent the escape of
gasoline vapors from the fuel tank. If
yours is lost or damaged, replace it as
soon as possible with an identical one.
This is also a safety precaution that can
prevent a damaged fuel tank and keep
water out of your fuel. In addition,
evaporating gasoline due to loose or
missing caps will boost air pollution.
Cleaner Fuels for Cleaner Air
The demand for cleaner air led to a
search for fuels that pollute less than
today's gasolines. Such alternative fuels
can reduce motor vehicle pollution
because they burn more completely or
are less likely to evaporate directly into
the air. These fuels also reduce the
nation's dependence on foreign oil and
are generally safer than gasoline. New
fuels are beginning to appear at public
pumps in certain parts of the country,
and some manufacturers are producing
cars that can use gasoline, alternative
fuels or combinations of both. Check
your owner's manual—manufacturer
recommendations vary by make, model
and year.
• Cleaner Gasolines—The petroleum
industry has responded to the
requirements of the Clean Air Act by
developing cleaner-burning and less
volatile gasoline formulations.
Oxygenated gasoline contains additives
such as alcohol or alcohol derivatives to
increase oxygen content. Sale of
oxygenated gasoline, or "oxy-fuels", is
required in the wintertime in parts of
the country with unhealthy levels of
carbon monoxide pollution.
Reformulated gasoline will be required
beginning in 1995 in areas where ozone
(smog) levels exceed health standards.
Reformulated gasoline differs from
conventional gasoline in its lower
volatility and reduced toxics content,
but higher oxygen content.
• Alcohols—Ethanol and Methanol
are liquid fuels than can be used in
pure form or blended with gasoline.
"E85" and "M85" contain 15 percent
gasoline and 85 percent ethanol or
methanol and are already being
marketed at some filling stations. All
major manufacturers have developed
so-called "flexible fuel" or "variable
fuel" vehicles capable of running on
gasoline, E85 or M85 or a combination
of the two. Vehicles that bum pure
10
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alcohol emit less pollution than those
that run on ESS or M85 blends, and
vehicles that run on blends are some-
what cleaner than gasoline vehicles.
Additional design modifications to
gasoline engines are necessary to enable
vehicles to operate properly on pure
alcohol.
• Gaseous Fuels—Compressed
natural gas and propane have been
used as automotive fuels for years in
many parts of the world. These cheap,
clean-burning fuels are beginning to
gain favor in the United States as
alternatives to gasoline. Because the
tanks that contain the gas are heavy
and bulky, such fuels are more
frequently used for larger vehicles that
can accommodate the extra space and
weight, and for fleet vehicles that can
be refueled overnight at a central
location.
• Electric Cars—In the not too distant
future, motorists will be able to drive
up to a "charging station" to refuel their
vehicles with electricity. At least one
manufacturer has been approved by the
state of California to manufacture and
sell electric cars, which under that
state's laws, must be generally available
beginning in 1998. Vehicles powered
only by electricity emit no pollution,
though the power plants that produce
electricity to charge the batteries do
pollute. Manufacturers are working
hard to develop electric cars that will
be attractive to consumers, although at
present they do not provide the range
or performance of gasoline-powered
vehicles nor the production level to
meet a market demand.
Motor Oils
and Gas Mileage
Your choice of engine oil can affect gas
mileage.
Viscosity is Important
Your owner's manual provides a
variety of engine oil viscosity (thick-
ness) recommendations based on the
lowest outdoor temperatures expected
for the period the oil is in the engine.
The viscosity level of the oil you are
buying will be marked on the container
with numbers such as "10 W 40" or "5
W 30." The lowest viscosity recom-
mended by the owners manual is your
best bet for gas mileage, easy starts,
and cold-engine protection. If you don't
have a manual, check with a dealer, the
manufacturer, or the National Institute
for Automotive Service Excellence.
Energy Conserving Oils
Energy conserving oils are now on the
market. Look for the "energy
conserving" oil labeled with "EC"
numbers on the container. By using
them you can improve your gas
mileage by one to two percent.
Don't Use Too Much Oil
Don't overfill the crankcase. Extra oil
can increase friction in the engine, and
the excess oil is rapidly consumed or
wasted, often creating a mess in the
engine compartment. If you or the gas
station attendant check the oil level and
find it's a half-quart low, only put in a
half-quart, or wait until if s a quart
low, and then put in a full quart. Oil is
now sold in plastic, resealable
containers, often with gradations on the
side allowing measured, controlled
pouring.
11
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In the Shop
[See the inside back cover for tips on finding a good automotive repair shop.]
Proper maintenance helps keep your
car's engine and emission control
system working efficiently and
effectively. Well-functioning vehicles
pollute less—and deliver the added
benefits of increased fuel economy,
better performance, longer life, and
higher resale value.
Proper maintenance used to
revolve around regular tune-ups,
during which the carburetor was
adjusted and parts were replaced. It is
still very important to follow
manufacturer's scheduled maintenance
recommendations for today's
sophisticated, fuel-injected vehicles.
But if a modern car generates high
emissions, it is usually due to a
malfunction which needs to be fixed,
such as a broken sensor. It takes the
diagnostic know-how of a skilled
technician to find and correct such
malfunctions.
Follow manufacturer recommended
maintenance guidelines
The owner's manual provides
recommended maintenance intervals
and product specifications for your car.
The manufacturer's warranty on the
emission control system is also
explained here.
Whether you do the work yourself
or have a professional automotive
technician do it, make sure the
manufacturer's specifications on parts
and service are followed. Following
the manufacturer's recommended
maintenance guidelines helps identify
malfunctioning parts before they cause
noticeable or serious damage. For
example, dragging brakes and faulty
transmissions can be detected during a
routine maintenance check. These
malfunctions may affect fuel economy
and emissions before they create
driveability problems.
Get regular maintenance checks
Every car has some items that need to
be checked on a regular basis and
others that need to be replaced
periodically. These include air filter,
vacuum and coolant hoses, oil, oil filter,
other fluids, belts, and so on. Oxygen
sensors should be checked regularly for
performance after 50,000 miles and
replaced if there is any doubt. Spark
plugs should be examined periodically;
malfunctioning plugs can damage the
oxygen sensor and catalytic converter.
Your owner's manual will tell which
parts need to be changed or checked
and when.
Vehicles driven under severe
conditions much of the time (stop-and-
go driving, travel on dirt roads, etc)
may need more frequent oil and filter
changes than recommendations
indicate. Again, your owner's manual
provides guidance.
Finally, it is important to get your
engine and emissions system checked
12
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promptly whenever you notice a
change in the way your car functions, if
fuel economy seems to drop, if a
warning light goes on, or if your car
fails an emissions test. Delay can
worsen the damage. Finding the source
of a problem in a modern vehicle can
be complicated, so you may have to
pay a diagnostic fee in advance.
Change the oil regularly
Most motor oils on the market today
carry an energy conservation or "EC"
label, indicating they improve fuel
economy by reducing engine friction.
Always follow manufacturer recom-
mendations in choosing motor oil for
your car.
Do not mix used oil with other
substances. Don't dump it into a
sewer or onto the ground where it
can contaminate municipal
wastewater or underground water
supplies.
When adding oil, don't overfill the
crankcase. Extra oil is consumed more
rapidly than necessary.
Fuel Injection Systems
A significant percentage of all vehicles
in use today, including almost all new
passenger cars and light-duty trucks,
have fuel injection systems. These
systems should be checked during
tune-ups. If fuel injectors become
fouled as a result of deposit buildups,
fuel economy suffers, the vehicle is
harder to start and drive, and pollutant
emissions are significantly increased. If
badly clogged, the injectors may have
to be cleaned or replaced.
Fortunately, almost all gasolines
sold today contain additives to control
fuel injector deposits. Ask your service
station manager if the gasoline contains
such additives (or call the company's
area distributor).
Emission Controls
Vehicle emission inspection programs
have been mandated by the federal
government and have been established
in more than a hundred cities and
counties across the United States, and
will spread to more areas as new clean
air programs are adopted. These
programs are designed to ensure that
polluting vehicles are identified and
repaired. Such repairs can improve fuel
economy by 6 to 7 percent. If there is
no inspection program where you live,
have a mechanic do a visual check of
the emission control devices to make
sure they are in place and properly
connected.
ampering with your emissions c
r misfueling—using leaded gas instead
f non-leaded—can increase pollutant
missions by as much as 800 percent!
d tampering and misfueling are
lations of state and federal la
13
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Don't tamper with these controls.
"Tampering" includes removing,
disabling, or making inoperative any
motor-vehicle emission-control device
or element of design. Since today's
vehicles are designed with emission
controls as an integral part of the entire
power-train system, tampering with
these devices not only increases
emissions but also reduces overall
vehicle performance and durability.
Replacing the Catalytic Converter
If you have had all the proper
maintenance performed and your
vehicle still fails an emissions test, have
the catalytic converter checked.
Occasionally, the converter may need to
be replaced so a vehicle can pass the
test Before undertaking this major
repair, be sure to get a thorough
diagnosis of the engine and emission
system, perhaps even a second opinion,
because catalysts rarely "go bad" by
themselves; a problem in the catalyst is
usually the result of a problem
upstream in the engine management
system. If it must be replaced because it
14
is missing or is no longer functioning
correctly, make certain the replace-
ment's label shows that it meets EPA
requirements and is warranted to meet
federal durability and performance
standards. All manufacturers of new
and rebuilt converters who meet the
EPA requirements must state that fact
in writing, usually in the warranty
information in their catalogs. If you or
a mechanic bypass a damaged or
ineffective catalytic converter instead of
replacing it or repairing it, you are
breaking the law—the penalty could be
much higher than the price of a new or
rebuilt unit
Converter repair might be covered
by your warranty and you could be
entitled to free repairs. The converter
on a new car should last at least 50,000
miles. New EPA regulations will
increase the mandatory life to 80,000
miles in 1994 and will require that 1994
model year cars and light trucks have
cm-board diagnostic computers that
monitor the operation of emissions
control systems. Information on
malfunctions will be stored in a
memory bank accessible by technicians.
Because many problems with the
emissions control system do not affect a
vehicle's performance, drivers may not
be aware of the problem (unless, of
course, the vehicle fails an emissions
test). When the computer identifies a
problem, it will alert the driver via a
dashboard light.
Emissions Control Warranties
The Emissions Warranties might cover
problems that would cause a vehicle to
fail an inspection and maintenance test
for a period of up to five years, if the
vehicle has been properly maintained.
The emissions defect warranty covers
major emission control components on
current models for five years or 50,000
miles. It covers the catalytic converter,
oxygen sensor, and onboard diagnostic
system. Future models will be
warranted for longer periods, beginning
in 1994. Your owner's manual tells you
what parts are specifically covered and
for what length of time. Contact your
dealer or manufacturer for further
information.
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me Layer
(The Good Ozone}
Unlike ground-level ozone, which is a noxious pollutant. the stratospheric
ozone layer miles above the eartti shields us from harmful ultraviolet
(UVa) radiation that can cause skin cancer, cataracts, and damage to the
body's immune system It can aiso damage crop and marine ecosystems.
Chlorofluorocarbon-12 (CFC-12), also known by the trade name "Freon,"
is used as a refrigerant in all but the newest vehicle air conditioners.
CFCs deplete the ozone layer if they are released into (he air when car or
truck air conditioners are serviced, or when the vehicle is scrapped or
salvaged. When they reach the stratosphere, the CFC molecules break
apart, releasing chlorine, which attacks the ozone layer. A single chlorine
atom can destroy severai thousand ozone molecules.
The United States and 75 other countries have agreed to halt
production of ozone-depleting chemicals by January 1, 1996. The 1990
Amendments to tfie Clean Air Act also ban non-essential uses and
mandate recycling, labeling products made with or containing ozone-
depleting compounds, and evaluating the safety of new alternative
chemicals.
Vehicle Air Conditioners
Much of the ozone damage caused by
mobile air-conditioner refrigerants can
be prevented if service shops recycle
the refrigerant instead of releasing it
into the air, and if it is removed for
recycling before a vehicle is scrapped or
abandoned. Federal regulations require
motor vehicle air conditioning repair
shops to have a machine that pulls the
refrigerant from the air conditioner into
a holding tank. The refrigerant is
filtered so that it becomes clean enough
for reuse in automobile air conditioners;
most repair shops collect the CFCs and
sell them to a recycling facility.
Ask your service shop operator to
show you the seal of approval on the
capture or recycling machine. Certifi-
cation by a qualified testing laboratory,
like Underwriters Laboratories, means
the recycled refrigerant placed back in
your car or truck by a properly
maintained and operated recycling
machine meets industry standards.
These standards resulted from strict
tests performed by the automotive
15
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industry and the EPA.
Refrigerant recycled by approved
machines does not affect your new car
warranty.
A Note for Do-It-Yourselfers
Don't try to replenish refrigerant that
leaks out of your vehicle's air
conditioner by yourself. Professional
service has important benefits. You will
avoid improperly charging your
system; lack of proper service can result
in poor cooling and can damage your
vehicle's air conditioning system. And,
since November 15, 1992 only certified
mechanics can legally purchase the
small cans of CFC needed to refill
vehicle air conditioning units. Dealers
who sell the small cans to individuals
can be prosecuted. In the long run,
having a professional add refrigerant to
your air conditioner could save you
money by helping you avoid costly
repairs later on. For more information
call EPA's Stratospheric Ozone hotline:
1-800-296-1996.
16
Repair It, Don't Refill It!
Do not ask your mechanic to refill a
leaking system. Merely refilling a
leaking system is a big waste of money.
Repair of your leaking air conditioner
protects the environment.
Since recycling requires special
equipment and may take a little extra
time, some costs of servicing car or
truck air conditioners may rise. But by
recycling, you will need less new CFC,
so replacement refrigerant costs will be
reduced. The overall cost of servicing
your car will depend on local
circumstances.
"Greener" Refrigerants
Some automobile manufacturers have
designed air conditioners that use a
refrigerant called HFC-134a instead of
CFCs. They are believed to be less
harmful to the environment. Drivers of
cars with the new air conditioners
probably won't notice any difference in
the cooling effect, but the new refrig-
erant is not interchangeable with the
old.-If you own a car that uses the new
refrigerant, you'll need to have it
serviced by your dealer or find a
service shop that can handle it. Owners
of vehicles using the old refrigerant
may find their cars harder and costlier
to service as the supply of CFC-based
refrigerants diminishes. It may make
sense to have your air conditioner
modified to accept HFC-134a if it
requires major service anyway.
Manufacturers are developing guide-
lines that will let older systems be
switched to the new product.
Cooling Systems and Coolant
Many vehicle owners tend to ignore the
engine's cooling system except to check
the coolant as winter nears, or if there
seems to be a leak in the water pump
or radiator. What you should do is
have the system flushed and refilled
every two years. At the same time, the
system can be checked for leaks that
could let chemicals in the coolant
evaporate into the air or reach the
ground. It is also wise to have the
coolant level checked before going on
long trips or at the start of each winter
or summer season.
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Tires
Not only does the condition of your
tires affect gas mileage, tires—used
ones—are a major form of solid waste
that helps to clog the municipal waste
stream and the dwindling number of
landfills around the country. By
purchasing the proper tires for your
vehicle and maintaining them well, you
will maximize their useful life. Tires
that have only a 40,000 mile warranty
might last 80,000 or 100,000 miles if
properly maintained.
Rotate your tires every 5,000 miles,
since tires do not wear evenly on all
four wheels. On rear-wheel-drive cars,
the back tires generally wear 30 to 100
percent faster than those on the front.
On front or four-wheei drive vehicles,
the front tires usually wear faster. Also,
rear tires on small, light front-wheel
drive cars have a tendency to wear
unevenly, which, in turn, produces a
bumpy ride.
Improperly aligned wheels can
increase tire wear tenfold. Tires should
be balanced and wheel alignment
checked when the tires are rotated. If
you frequently drive on rough roads,
have your alignment checked more
often than every 5,000 miles. At high
speeds, an out-of-balance tire can result
in irregular tread wear.
Inspect your tires periodically for
signs of wear. When the tread is worn
down to one-sixteenth of an inch, built-
in "wear bars" will appear. They look
like narrow strips of smooth rubber
across the tread. If you see them, the
tires are worn out and if s time to
replace them to reduce the chance of
accidents and prevent further damage.
Replacing tires
You don't have to replace all your tires
at the same time so long as the worn
ones are replaced with the same type.
When tires need to be replaced, don't
guess which tire is right for your
vehicle—look at the tire placard that
comes with the vehicle or check the
owner's manual. It tells you the size of
the tires which were the vehicle's
original equipment. Tires should be
replaced with the same size, or
approved options, as recommended by
the automobile or tire manufacturer.
Never choose a smaller size, with a
lower load-carrying capacity than the
size on the tire placard. Always mount
tires of the same size and construction
on the same axle. If you wish to replace
a tire with a different size and/or
construction,, check your vehicle
owner's manual for the manufacturer's
recommendation.
If your vehicle was equipped with
speed-rated tires, consult the owner's
manual for proper size and speed
rating. If the manual specifies speed-
rated tires, the replacement tires must
have the same or higher speed rating to
maintain safe speed capability.
Fill Out Your Tire Registration
Form
When buying new tires, be sure your
name, address and tire identification
number (DOT code) are recorded and
returned to the tire manufacturer or its
designated record-keeper. Tire registra-
tion enables the manufacturer to notify
you in the event of a recall.
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All Tires Are Not The Same
There are three types of tires: Bias tires are the
least expensive but have the shortest expected
life. Belled bias tires last longer and are slightly
more expensive. Radials are the most
expensive, but have the longest mileage
guarantee. They also improve car handling and
reduce gasoline consumption by 5 to 10 percent.
(Note: using a combination of different kinds of
tires reduces a car's handling ability, so avoid
doing so except in an emergency.)
Tires are sized by diameter and width and
are rated by their weight-carrying capacity. A tire
that is too small for a vehicle can end up carrying
too much weight and wear out faster.
Overloading a tire by as little as 10 percent will
significantly decrease its life expectancy. Tire
information is located on the tire sidewall and
usually looks something like those on the
accompanying illustration. The numbers and
letters refer to the tire's tread width, speed rating,
type (radial or bias), and diameter, etc. The
adjoining chart shows you how to 'read" your
tires.
Sidewall Savvy
'H" is a speed rating. When replacing tires, all should have "R" is tor radial.
the same speed rating as well as same size and construction. Can also be *B*
other ratings are S, T, U, V, and 2. '$' is the slowest rating for belted bias or
at112mphand*Z'isthe fastest at over 149 mph^ "D" for diagonal
Ratio of height to width.
"205" Indicates the width of the tire in millimeter;
Diameter of wheel in inches.
Service description (used
on some tires instead of
showing the speed rating
description) is load in size
index and speed
symbol.
WP" stands for passenger,
Can also be IT* for light truck.
'DOT' certifies compliance with
1B
Department of Transportation safety
standards. The numbers after it are
the lire's serial number. Following that
are the type of cord and number of
plies in the side wall and under the tread.
Maximum load is shown i
pounds (Ibsj and kilograms
The DOT requires manufacturers to grade
passenger tires based on Ireadwear, tracti
and temperature resistance. Tread wear
a comparative rating based on the wear rate
controlled conditions. A tire graded at 200 wears
twice as long in the test as one graded at 100 (a
typical 20,000 mile tire). Treadwear grades,
however, should not be linked with projected tire
mileage. Performance depends on actual
conditions, maintenance, and driving practices.
Traction grades represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement in tests. 'A' is
the best rating and "C" is the lowest.
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Retreads
When buying tires, consider retreads. The
retreading process has been improved since the
days when retreads were poorly regarded. Those
strips or chunks of retreaded rubber you see
scattered along roadsides are most often due to
poor maintenance, rather than to a faulty
retreaded tire. Both virgin and retreaded tires end
up on the side of the road or in scrap piles if they
aren't maintained properly. Although most major
tire retail chains sell retreads only for trucks and
industrial vehicles, retreads for passenger
vehicles are usually available if you ask for them.
As soon as you buy your retreaded or new
tires, begin a maintenance program for them.
Remember, you can often get twice as many
miles out of your tires with the proper
maintenance.
Recycling Parts & Fluids
Maximum pressure is in pound/square
inch (PSI) and kilopascals (Kpa).
Temperature grades are also rated 'A' to "C,." with A
being the highest and C the lowest. They indicate the
tire's resistance to the generation of heat in tests.
Pollution prevention, as compared to
dealing with environmental problems
after-the-fact, is an important aspect of
effective environmental protection.
Recycling old tires, used oil and oil
filters, vehicle refrigerants, worn-out
batteries, and other parts of vehicles
that are no longer road-worthy is an
important part of pollution prevention.
By so doing, you keep potentially
dangerous pollutants out of sewers,
wastewater treatment plants, under-
ground water supply sources, and
precious landfill space. You will be
protecting the health of children, pets
and farm animals. Here's how vehicle-
owners can help keep their environ-
ment clean and safe through pollution
prevention:
Disposing of Used Tires
When it comes time for you to replace
your tires, keep in mind that they may
still be useful—don't just throw them
away!
If your old tires are still in good
condition (other than being worn), they
can be retreaded. Retreading is, of
course, a form of recycling. Look in
your telephone directory Yellow Pages,
under "tires-used," "tire recapping," "tire
retreading", or "tire repairing," for
information about where to take them.
If the tires are not retreadable, they
can be turned in to the tire dealer
where you purchase your new tires or
retreads if the dealer has a responsible
scrap-tire disposal policy. There are 41
states that regulate scrap tire manage-
ment, but sometimes the regulations
only apply to large dealers, so you'll
have to check that, too.
But if you can't find a dealer to
take them, call your local solid-waste-
management and sanitation department
for disposal instructions. In any event,
don't toss them into the nearest
dumpster or ditch; see that they are
properly disposed of.
Potential uses for tires that can't be
retreaded include use as a fuel, as an
19
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ingredient for asphalt, in various civil
engineering applications, and as an
ingredient for new products.
TTie Scrap Tire Problem
As the number ol vehicles in this country
increases, so does the number of tires. Billions
of tires have been stockpiled, dumped illegally,
or buried In dwindling landfill space all across the
country and more are added every day, Over
242 million tires are scrapped in 8ie United
States every year—about one tire per person!
Only about 30 percent are reused, recycled, or
recovered in environmentally and economically
useful ways. The rest are either land filled or
added to rapidly growing stockpiles.
Recycling Used Oil
The oil from just one oil change is
enough to contaminate a million
gallons of fresh water.
Americans who change their own
oil throw away 120 million gallons of
recoverable motor oil every year, and it
often contains such toxicants as lead
and benzene in unsafe concentrations.
If that oil is dumped on the ground, it
can leach into underground drinking
water sources.
Only one gallon of used oil yields
the same 2.5 quarts of lubricating oil
provided by 42 gallons of crude. If the
oil thrown away each year were
recycled, it would markedly reduce the
need for imported or domestically
drilled crude oil.
If your community has an oil
recycling program, join it. If it doesn't,
start one. To get a copy of EPA's
manual, "How to Set Up a Local
Program to Recycle Used Oil", write to
the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act Hotline, 1725 Jefferson
Davis Highway, Arlington VA 22202, or
call 1-800-424-9346.
If You Change Your Own Oil
Recycle the used oil by taking it to a
service station or another facility that
offers collection services. Call your state
or local used oil program for locations
of collection centers. Call 1-800-424-9346
for a list of State Oil Recycling Contacts
or write to Resource Conservation and
Recovery docket; 401 M Street, SW.,
Washington DC 20460.
20
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Used Oil Filters
Used oil filters require special handling.
Those in automobiles and light-duty
vehicles retain as much as 6 to 8 ounces
of engine oil when they are removed.
Despite the use of unleaded gasoline as
a fuel, this residue contains toxics.
Therefore, when improperly disposed
of, both used oil and filters pose human
health and environmental risks. The
leftover oil should be drained from
discarded filters prior to bringing them
to a collection center for recycling.
A whole and completely drained oil
filter and its components (i.e., filter
casing, steel plate, rubber gasket, and
filter paper media) can be recycled for
the scrap metal or for energy value.
Recycling Used Coolant
Although old coolant is biodegradable,
it may contain a number of environ-
mentally harmf"' impurities such as
lead. It is also poisonous. It is
considered a hazardous waste.
So, don't dump old anti-freeze into
a storm drain or sewer. Take it to a
repair shop that has the equipment to
remove the contaminants and replace
the necessary additives. Usually, the
recycled coolant will meet the
standards for reuse in vehicle engines.
If, however, you flush out the
cooling system yourself, be careful to
catch all of the old antifreeze in a large
clean container (you can use a hose and
a reverse-flush kit to do this). When
you've completely drained the coolant
from the system, take it—in a well-
sealed container—to a repair shop that
has the right recycling equipment.
When draining the system, be
especially careful because the anti-
freeze's color, sweet smell and taste
make it attractive to children and pets.
It is extremely poisonous so store the
container out of reach of children and
animals until you are ready to take it to
the recycling station. If you spill any,
be sure to flush it from the ground or
floor so animals can't get at it.
Recycling Batteries
In 1986, lead acid batteries—like the
one in your car—accounted for 138,000
tons, or 65 percent of the lead discards
in municipal solid waste. As the
number of cars on the road increases,
so will the accumulation of used and
discarded batteries. The typical car
battery contains 18-20 pounds of lead-
acid, a toxic substance that can cause
serious adverse health effects if not
disposed of properly.
Battery recycling, instead of
disposal, is a significant way to limit
environmental exposure to lead. Both
the lead and the battery's plastic casing
are recyclable. Consumers should take
lead-acid batteries to dealers who will
accept them and ship them to battery
recycling centers. Or they can be left in
21
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cars that are destined for automobile
wreckers, who will generally take out
the batteries and deliver them to scrap
lead dealers, battery haulers, or battery
manufacturers. From there they go to
secondary smelters.
Thirty-four states and one city have
already enacted legislation to promote
lead-acid battery recycling. Most of
these laws:
• Prohibit disposal of lead-acid
batteries with municipal solid waste.
• Require retailers to accept used
batteries from consumers when new
ones are purchased.
• Require retailers to post notices
informing consumers of state
requirements.
• Compel battery manufacturers to
accept used batteries from retailers
when new ones are purchased.
Recycling Air-Conditioner
Refrigerant
Automotive repair shops are now
required to recycle refrigerant, so seek
professional service if your air
conditioner needs service or you plan
to scrap your car. They must use
special equipment to ensure that the
refrigerant is properly collected and
filtered for reuse. This will be especially
important in the near future as the new
supply of currently used freon
diminishes but supplies are needed for
older cars that haven't been or can't be
converted to new refrigerants. For
further information, call the Strato-
spheric Ozone Hotline: 1 800 296-1996.
Disposing
of the Whole Car
There comes a time when even the
most beloved old clunker must go. In
fact, power companies and some states
are encouraging people to turn them in
for bonuses or other rewards in an
effort to get high polluters and gasoline
guzzlers off the roads once and for all.
Because almost every part of an
automobile or truck is recyclable, the
old car should not be abandoned in
landfills or left to rust in a field or
yard. It should be turned into a dealer
as a trade-in destined for subsequent
scrapping, or taken to a scrap dealer
where it will be stripped of useable
parts and the metals, glass, plastics,
etc., will be separated and processed
for recycling.
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Finding a Good Automotive Repair Shop
Even if you are a do-it-yourselfer, there will be
times when you need the services of a skilled
technician for many jobs (like exchanging the air
conditioning refrigerant), especially in this era of
highly complex, computerized engines,
transmissions, electrical systems and other parts
of the vehicle. This does not mean that the
small-town or crossroads service station tech-
nician you've been using can't do the job, but
make sure he's had training and experience with
the latest, more complicated vehicle components.
How do you find a reputable repair shop, if
you don't already have one you're happy with?
The non-profit National Institute for Automotive
Service Excellence (ASE) suggests:
* Start shopping for a repair facility before you
need one; you can make a better decision when
you are not rushed.
• Ask friends and associates for their
recommendations. Word-of-mouth reputation is
valuable.
• Check out the shop with your local consumer
protection organization.
• Look for a neat, well-organized shop, with
vehicles in Hie parking lot equal in value to your
own and modern equipment in the service bays.
• Ask about the qualilications of technicians.
Look for evidence such as trade school
diplomas, certificates of advanced course work,
an American Automobile Association approval
sign or certificates from various manufacturers. If
all of the technicians do not have ASE
certification or similar qualifications, ask who wilt
be working on your car.
• Look for signs of professionalism in the
customer service area: civic and community
service awards, and the ASE sign, which
indicates certified technicians.
• Professionally run establishments will have a
courteous, helpful staff. The organization should
be willing to answer all of your questions. Don't
accept vague statements or promises.
• All policies (labor rates, guarantees, methods of
payment, and so forth) should be posted and/or
explained to your satisfaction.
- Ask if the shop customarily handles your
vehicle make and model, and the type of repair
you need. Some facilities specialize. Dealer
service departments are up on the latest
equipment and technologies in the vehicles they
sell.
• Feel free to ask for the names of a few
customers as references. Call them and ask
specific questions for the type of repair your car
needs. Ask if they were satisfied...did the repair
fix the problem...any hassles...fair price, .would
they go back?
• The local emissions inspection program may
offer a list of repair shops and how successful
they have been on cars that have not passed the
smog check/emissions tests.
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Driving for the Environment's Sake—A Quick Review
An environmentalist in the driver's seat
saves money. Driving efficiently can
save ten percent or more on fuel costs
alone even if you don't reduce the
number of miles you drive. If you
drive less, you save even more. And
whaf s more, driving efficiently is safer
driving.
Here's a quick checklist of environ-
mentally sound, fuel-efficient,
emissions-reducing driving practices
(for details, look inside this booklet):
* Use the right gasoline and oil (follow
manufacturer's recommendations).
• Have all manufacturer's maintenance
recommendations performed
correctly.
• Limit warm-ups to 30 seconds.
• Minimize cold starts.
• Minimize idling (Idling = zero miles
per gallon).
• Avoid waiting in lines at drive-ins
where possible
• Use (but don't abuse) 'right-turn-on-
red.'
• Accelerate gently and steadily.
• Obey posted speed limits.
• Drive as much as possible at the most
fuel efficient speeds-between 35
• mph and 45 mph, except, of course,
on beltways and interstate
highways with higher speed limits.
» Use cruise control to maintain a
steady speed when possible.
• Keep windows shut at high speeds.
• Minimize air conditioning use.
• Don't speed up only to have to brake
quickly.
• Plan and combine your trips.
* Use other means of transportation.
Acknowledgements—Participating in the
development of this publication were
the EPA Office of Air and Radiation
and the Office of Communications,
Education, and Public Affairs, with
assistance from the Office of Solid
Waste, the Global Change Division, and
the Office of Mobile Sources.
Recycled/Recyclable
Printed with Soy/Canola ink on paper that
contains at least 50% recycled fiber
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