Jack Williams

Going Green Is Easier than You Think

Auto owners can do their part to help the environment by practicing a few 'earth-friendly' car care habits, according to experts at the non-profit National Association for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) . The two main things to keep in mind are to drive non-aggressively and keep up with regular maintenance on your car.

Here are specific suggestions from ASE:

· Slow down. Use cruise-control on highways to maintain a steady pace. Shut off the engine when you park the car. Consolidate daily errands.

· Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle to reduce weight.

· Don't pollute. Dispose of used motor oil, antifreeze/coolant, and old batteries properly. Some repair facilities accept these items. Or contact your local township or the PA Department of Environmental Protection .

· Keep the engine running at its peak. A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent. Replace filters and fluids as recommended by the owner's manual.

· Keep the tires properly inflated and aligned. Under-inflated tires waste fuel by forcing the vehicle's engine to work harder. Moreover, properly maintained tires last longer, saving you money and lessening the burden at landfills.

· Know your limitations. If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, find a good technician. Ask friends for recommendations, check the reputation of the repair shop with your local consumer group, and check out the technicians' credentials. ASE-certified professionals have passed one or more national exams in specialties such as engine performance and air conditioning.

· Your car's air conditioner should be serviced only by a technician certified to handle and recycle refrigerants. The air conditioners in older vehicles contain ozone-depleting chemicals, which can be released into the atmosphere through improper service.

In addition to helping the environment, routine maintenance will help your vehicle last longer, get better gas mileage, and command a higher resale price. Pretty cool.

Jack Williams Tire and Auto Service Centers specialize in all of your vehicle's service needs. Whether your vehicle needs factory scheduled maintenance, state inspections or emission inspections, Jack Williams' ASE certified professionals know just how to help you. Visit any of our 29 locations to meet with Jack Williams' team of experts for alignments, brakes, shocks, struts, exhausts, batteries, fluid services, oil changes, filters, belts, hoses, diagnostics and more! Jack Williams Tire is proud to employ ASE certified technicians.