(March 17, 2014) BETHESDA, Md. — The luck of the Irish won't make your car green, but performing basic vehicle maintenance will not only help protect the environment, but will also keep more "green" in your wallet, says the non-profit Car Care Council.

"To be car care aware, you don't need to be lucky, just proactive," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "By following a few simple steps from the Car Care Council, you can drive smart, save money and be green."

    • Follow a vehicle service schedule including fuel-saving steps like performing regular tune-ups, keeping tires properly inflated, replacing air filters regularly, changing oil regularly and checking your gas cap. Routine maintenance helps reduce emissions and fuel consumption, saving money at the pump.

    • Recycle or properly dispose motor oil, tires, batteries, fluids and other vehicle components to help protect the planet when performing vehicle maintenance or repairs.

    • Hang onto your current vehicle and limit the number of new cars you buy over the course of a lifetime. Extending vehicle life is as simple as taking care of your vehicle properly. You'll gain years of reliable service without monthly car payments and higher insurance rates.

    • Repower your engine when faced with serious engine trouble. A remanufactured/rebuilt engine can give your vehicle new life and make it more fuel efficient for about the cost of an average down payment on a new car.

"The Car Care Council website is full of useful tips and information to help motorists keep their vehicles safe and dependable, including the free customized service schedule and popular Car Care Guide," said White. "A visit to www.carcare.org is time well spent."