People say that trading in your old SUV for a Prius is the right move, but what if you just don't have the money to buy another vehicle?  In this tough economy, consumers need to learn ways to extend the life of their vehicle, while making them more efficient in the process.  Here are seven ways vehicle maintenance can save you green, while helping you go green.
 
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Tires:  Maintain your tire pressure!  Not only does maintaining your tire pressure ensure the longevity of the tire, but it also saves fuel.  By having less rolling resistance between the wheel and the road, the engine has to work less.  Read the side wall of the tire to see the maximum cold air pressure allowed.
 
Air Filters:  Making sure the air filter is clean is a key to fuel efficiency.  When combustion occurs, it is an air/fuel mixture ignited by a spark.  Making sure there is more clean air in the combustion process means the engine is using less fuel.
 
Spark Plugs:  Spark plugs are involved in the combustion process mentioned above.  Spark plugs ensure the engine’s firing accuracy and efficiency.  Most new vehicles do not need new spark plugs until 100,000 miles.  However, checking the plugs never hurt; it’s a cheap, simple way to make sure your car is running at its best.
 
Engine and Transmission Fluids:  Keep on top of maintenance; read your vehicle’s owner’s manual.  Under hard driving conditions (which are most daily commutes), the engine oil needs changed every 3,000 miles.  Automatic transmission fluid needs to be changed every 30,000 miles.  Check your fluids often and keep the reservoirs filled.
 
Belts and Hoses:  Making sure that the belts and hoses on your vehicle are in proper working order is imperative to a vehicle’s longevity.  Not only will these simple parts make your vehicle more efficient, but the longer service life saves you money.
 
Aerodynamics:  Having more add on parts to your vehicle, adds more weight and more wind resistance; causing your vehicle to use more power to maintain the same speed.  By removing roof rack cross bars, plastic wind deflectors and other add on parts, the vehicle is less wind resistant; using less fuel.
 
Weight Reduction:  Remove any unnecessary equipment from the vehicle’s cabin or cargo hold.  That means don’t store the gym gear or golf clubs in the car if you’re not going to the gym or the course.  Weight reduction is a simple and effective way to a vehicle’s efficient maintenance of speed.