St. Patrick's Day may have passed, but that doesn't mean you have to abandon green habits – especially with regard to your car. In fact, embracing some green and eco-friendly practices can be beneficial for the environment as well as your vehicle, as many of the most common operations will improve the fuel efficiency and performance of a car. 

The Car Care Council offers several recommendations for drivers who want to make their cars green without spending too much money. At the top of the list is following scheduled maintenance. These preventative steps, which include actions such as regular tune ups, can go a long way toward ensuring your car is running smoothly and not wasting any fuel. Consider replacing air filters, changing the oil, checking the gas cap and examining tire pressure at regular intervals. 

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

The Council also recommends that drivers properly dispose of old tires, batteries and other resources used on a car. Replacing these features is a necessary part of maintaining a vehicle, and recycling whenever possible can help the environment. Another way to reinvigorate part of a car is to repower the engine to provide a vehicle with a burst of new life. 

Any time of year is the right time to start taking care of your car. With NJ State Auto's Total Car Care Center, you can take advantage of a garage that caters to the public. The experts on hand can address any issues you may have while also helping improve the overall function of your vehicle.