10. Keep your car's engine running at peak performance by getting regular tune-ups.  A well-tuned engine has more power, uses less fuel and develops less engine wear than a poorly-tuned engine. 

9. Have your vehicle's air conditioner serviced by a technician certified to handle and recycle refrigerants. Improperly handled refrigerants can release ozone-depleting chemicals into the environment.

8. If possible, ride your bike, take the bus, car pool or ride share. Less time on the road will extend the life of your car and reduce carbon emissions!

7. Be a good steward of the earth by taking used or damaged car batteries to auto stores that properly dispose of engine fluids and tires. A single quart of used motor oil can pollute thousands of gallons of water; antifreeze poured on the ground can poison wildlife or pets.

6. Improve gas mileage by removing roof-top luggage carriers, which increase air drag and decrease fuel-efficiency; use cruise control when practical and remove unnecessary items from your vehicle that can add weight.

5. Avoid driving with a lead foot. Fast starts and heavy braking increase gas consumption and put extra wear and tear on your vehicle's mechanical systems.

4. Keep your tires property inflated and aligned and you can improve your gas mileage by more than 3 percent.  Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.

3. Return used tires to retailers or wholesalers that recycle or retread them.  Or, if they still have some life left in them, Good News Garage will gladly accept tires and other car-related items such as unused antifreeze, oil and window cleaner.

2. Replace filters and fluids as recommended in the owner's manual. You can improve your gas mileage by up to two percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil.  Look for the "Energy Conserving" on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.

1. Did you know the automobile is the most recycled consumer product in the world today? Good News Garage is the ultimate recycling solution for unwanted cars, vans, trucks, mopeds, RVs and even boats.

Good News Garage has accepted, repaired and "recycled" more than 4,000 donated vehicles by providing them to qualified low-income families across New England!