Vehicle Owners Should Use the New 3 R's on Earth Day

Reuse, Reduce, Repower

BETHESDA, Md., April 22, 2010 In recognition of Earth Day on April 22, the Car Care Council encourages vehicle owners to consider the new 3 R's to do their part to protect the environment: Reuse, Reduce and Repower. Consumers could make a huge environmental contribution and a wise investment by reusing or hanging onto their current vehicle rather than buying a new one, by reducing emissions and fuel consumption through vehicle maintenance and by repowering a failed engine.

"This year marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "It's a great time to consider the environment by reusing, reducing and repowering. You'll not only protect the environment, but you'll protect your vehicle investment, too."

The Car Care Council offers the following tips to reuse, reduce and repower this Earth Day:

  --  Reuse your current vehicle for years to come and limit the number of
      new cars you buy over the course of a lifetime. Extending vehicle life
      is as simple as taking care of your vehicle properly. Follow a service
      interval schedule, perform routine maintenance and repairs and only
      clean your car with proper automotive car wash products, not dish
      detergent.
  --  Reduce fuel consumption and emission by following a few simple
      gas-savings tips: perform regular tune-ups, keep tires properly
      inflated, replace air filters regularly, replace oil regularly and
      check your gas cap. These steps will not only help you "reduce," but
      they will also save money at the pump. To learn more, visit
      www.carcare.org/car-care-articles/fuel-saving-tips.
  --  Repower your engine when faced with serious engine trouble. Repowering
      with a remanufactured/rebuilt engine can give your vehicle new life
      for about the cost of an average down payment on a new car. Repowered
      engines are dependable, reliable and backed by excellent warranty
      programs. To learn more, visit www.enginerepower.org.

For more information about making your vehicle environmentally friendly, visit the Car Care Council's Web site at www.carcare.org/car-care-guide to check out the popular digital Car Care Guide.

About the Car Care Council:

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a copy of the council's Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.