6 Maintenance Tips for a Greener Car

These small gestures will have a positive impact on the environment… and on the lifespan of your vehicle.

Maintain Your Car Regularly:

• When filling your gas tank, stop when you hear the first click of the pump, this will prevent overfilling.
• Regularly check the tire pressure. Driving with under-inflated tires increases fuel consumption and shortens their lifespan.
• Change the oil every 5,000 to 7,000 kilometers if you make frequent short trips, if you drive in town with many stops and starts, if you regularly pull a caravan or a heavy load, or if you are in contact with dust, sand or sea salt.
• Check your vehicle's fluid levels every 500 kilometers to top up or replace them.
• If you often ride on rough roads or salt-covered surfaces, check the chassis - including the axles and steering gear - to avoid corrosion and rust. Seals, hinges and door handles may need to be lubricated.
• Check and replace the wipers when the rubber is torn.

Recycle Oil:

Even if you don't use your car very often, you should change the oil at least every 10,000 to 12,000 kilometers. Here's what to do with used oil, which is toxic, carcinogenic, and potentially flammable.

• When you put oil in your car, place a container under the engine to catch the drips. Immediately clean up spilled oil with a damp cloth.
• If you change the oil yourself, dispose of it responsibly. Pour the used oil into an airtight container. Do not put it in a container in the corner of your garage and then forget it, nor throw it in the garbage, as it could spill out, polluting the environment. Never empty it into a manhole cover. Instead, take it to an ecocentre or the nearest garage owner who has a recycling tank.
• If you have the oil changed at an authorized service station, the mechanic will store the used oil (crankcase oil) for recycling. This involves filtering and demineralizing it before it can be used in industrial burners.
• A single liter (four cups) of oil can contaminate one million liters (264,172 gallons) of water.