When it comes to cars you can Do Your Part by investing in a new or used high fuel efficient car, but sometimes the greener thing to do is to keep the car you already own and keep it properly maintained. So what’s the best plan of attack? To find out, we spoke with Chris Rice, Service Advisor at Honda Cars of Rock Hill.

“Well Terri, the biggest thing you can do is get your oil changed and you want to go by your manufacturers recommendations on that, ” he first advised. Regular oil changes are a must for keeping your engine running better and longer.

Another must do: check your tire pressure once a month. Lower pressure wears out tires sooner and gives you bad gas mileage.

And Chris says be sure to use the proper grade of gasoline. “If the car is not designed to run on premium you want to make sure you don’t use premium. You are spending more money and getting less performance,” Rice warns.

Getting your tires aligned every 15 to 20 thousand miles is another good way to save gas. And, check your owner’s manual to see when to get your tires rotated.

Both of those things are worth the trip to the shop. According to Rice, “There’s some things you really need to come to a garage for. Absolutely. We do use a lot of specialized equipment that you’re not going to find in your driveway.”

These investments in time and money will have a big pay off down the road.

“I’ve had cars come in with 500,000 that run like a top. I’ve had cars come in with 70,000 miles on them that don’t.” Rice commented.

So yes, you can Do Your Part without investing in a new car or investing in a hybrid, just make sure you take care of the car you already own and keep it properly maintained.