5 Things You Need to Know About Keeping Your Car in Tune

A Tuned Car Benefits the Environment

When an engine is properly tuned, it consumes less fuel. As a result, the amount of carbon dioxide released into the air also is reduced. When tuning your car, there are five major emissions components that need to be inspected: the PCV system, exhaust gas recirculation system, charcoal canister, fuel injectors, and catalytic converter. Additionally, air filters and fuel injectors should be checked and worn sparkplugs should be replaced since misfires mean unburned fuel can pass through the exhaust system. The car's thermostat should be fully operational in order to conserve gas.

Properly Inflated Tires Save Fuel

Motorists need to regularly inspect the inflation of tires since fuel efficiency drops significantly per pound of under-inflation. The recommended tire inflation level is not the same for all vehicles, so check the operator's manual of your car. It's important to note that tire pressure also drops off during colder temperatures, so it's essential to also remember to check and inflate tires regularly when it's chilly outside. In addition to saving gas, properly inflated tires last longer, which means less waste.

Emissions Compliance is Integral

In a perfect world, all cars would emit no emissions. But we haven't yet reached that point as a society, so it's necessary to comply with emissions standards. The reason? To preserve air quality because air pollutants cause a myriad of health problems, from cancer, brain, and nervous system damage to bronchitis. When it comes to your car, keeping it in good working condition means it will run more efficiently. Regular oil changes keep your oil clean and limit harmful emissions. It's also important to make sure your battery is fully charged because a weak battery can affect the performance of a car's fuel injection.

Leaks Need to Be Addressed

If oil or gas leaks from cars and it rains, the pollutants flow to streams and lakes - a fact that proves deadly for aquatic plants and animals. Other threats include the materials used in a car's air conditioning system, which also can leak and impact the environment. As a preventative measure, many car manufacturers suggest running your car's air conditioner regularly to keep seals lubricated and stop them from developing leaks.

Eco-Conscious Disposal of Waste is Important

Tuning your car can result in waste, but it's important to note that you can reduce the impact on the environment by properly disposing of used parts. Fortunately, it's usually easier to do than you'd think. Vehicle battery retailers generally accept lead-acid batteries free of charge from customers or may charge non-customers a nominal fee for disposal. Typically, tire dealers will recycle your old tires for you. Using rebuilt or used parts when repairing and tuning your vehicle also helps cut down on waste. When your car finally bites the dust, it's a good idea to take it to a salvage yard, which will recycle and reuse many car parts and crush the rest.

Jennifer Olvera, a graduate of DePaul University in Chicago, has been writing professionally for more than a decade. In addition to covering the "green scene" for publications such as Where Magazine and Crain's, she has become one of the preeminent dining, food, and entertainment writers in Chicago. She has regularly been published in Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Zagat, Citysearch.com, and Gayot.com.