Do Your Part

Maintain your vehicle

Proper and timely maintenance of your car will conserve energy and reduce emissions. Maintain your vehicle in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.

> Keep your car engine well-maintained to lower exhaust emissions.
> Keep your tires properly inflated.
> Regularly change filters and service air conditioning.
> Seal your gas cap tightly, refuel during late afternoon or evening, and don't top off the tank.
> Have your car regularly inspected and emissions tested.

See The Texas Department of Public Safety's "Air Check Texas" web site for more information on mandatory emissions tests.

Drive less

Reducing the number of vehicles on the road, especially during peak periods (rush hour), means less traffic and less exhaust.

> Combine your errands into only one trip.
> Carpool, vanpool, or use park-and-ride.
> Ride public transit systems; take advantage of employer transit pass programs.
> Work an alternative/flex-time work schedule so you don't have to drive in congestion. Become a telecommuter or start a telecommuting program.
> Take a bicycle or walk when at all possible; it is good for your health.

Buy a "cleaner" vehicle

You can make the air healthier for yourself and others by purchasing low emissions vehicles such as new, hybrid-electric vehicles.

For more information see,

Drive the speed limit

Drive within the speed limit. At high speeds you'll burn more fuel for each mile you drive, thus creating more harmful pollutants in the air. It is safer to drive the speed limit too.

> Accelerate and decelerate slowly and smoothly.
> Anticipate stops and coast to a stop gradually.

Reduce idling

Idling wastes gas, damages pollution control equipment on your vehicle, and produces carbon monoxide—an invisible, odorless, poisonous gas. In fact, turning off the car and starting it again uses less gas and produces less carbon monoxide than idling for half a minute or more.

> Park and go inside rather than using the drive-through.
> If you have to drive through, shut off your engine while waiting.
> Anticipate delays and take an alternative route to avoid stop-and-go or stand-still traffic... or travel earlier or later when congestion is less.
> After starting the engine, do not warm it up; modern engines do not need it.