With nearly four in five car owners planning to drive their current vehicle for 50,000 (or more) miles longer than they drove their previous one, and the economic crunch driving car owners to do their own car repairs, AutoMD.com has released a list of tips-from recycling oil to using remanufactured parts-to help these DIYers keep both their environment and their wallets green.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the oil from one oil change can contaminate one million gallons of fresh water (a year’s supply for 50 people), and the use of reconditioned parts not only saves valuable environmental resources, it can save car owners 50% or more compared to the cost of purchasing new parts.
To help car owners ‘green’ their auto repair and maintenance, AutoMD.com’s team of mechanics identified the following common DIY repair and maintenance tips.
Recycle oil, antifreeze and parts
If all the oil from American do-it-yourself oil changers were recycled, it would be enough to supply more than 50 million cars a year. Oil, antifreeze and parts can usually be recycled at your local repair shop.
Repair, don’t replace
Extending the life of your vehicle and its body parts through proper repair and maintenance can help save environmental resources, prevent costly repairs and conserve consumer dollars.
Reuse parts and supplies
Rebuilt/remanufactured and used parts are easily available and can cost 50% less than buying new parts, while also reducing the amount of raw materials consumed and harmful emissions generated.
Be resource-friendly when you clean
Chances are that whatever you clean your vehicle with could end up in the storm drain and our streams, rivers, or oceans, so be conscious of the products you are using, or better still, use a commercial car wash, which generally uses much less water.
Use resource-friendly parts and products
Look at options for greener or longer-life products, such as extended life antifreeze and organic brake pads.
For more information, visit www.AutoMD.com.
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