Carpooling is a great way to save on gas, reduce wear and tear on your car and share the responsibility of driving to work or dropping kids off at school with friends, coworkers and neighbors. However, it is a fairly uncommon practice on American roadways. It may be difficult to find a group of people who have a similar work schedule or destination among the people you know, but there are apps available that can help connect drivers with similar itineraries to make carpooling a more viable option. The New York Times reports ride-sharing has been around for years, but is finally gaining popularity in the States.

"It's been a tough sell in the U.S. for a long time," David Burwell, director of energy and climate program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told the news source. "A lot is due to not only the fact that people have different places they want to go, but also safety and other concerns about going into cars with strangers."

As people become more immersed in the internet, digital media and connecting with others online, the prospect of finding a carpooling group online is not as taboo as it may have been in years past. It offers many advantages, including being environmentally friendly. Fewer cars on the road reduces emissions – and congestion. Drivers can go online to find carpooling groups, which will mean they get to leave their vehicles at home at least once a week if not more.

While driving less can reduce the amount of wear on your car, it is still important to get regular maintenance, especially if you are responsible for getting your carpool group to work. The experts at NJ State Auto's Total Car Care Center can keep your vehicle running well by performing basic tuneups and addressing necessary repairs. Plus, if you're already carpooling, you won't have to worry about finding a ride to work while your car is in the shop.