Putting your car on the road to better performance while showing concern for the environment may be easier than you think.

Here are some tips:

• Drive Green--Recognize that how you drive has a lot to do with fuel economy. Jerky and aggressive driving decreases your miles per gallon (MPG) and increases wear and tear on your vehicle. Avoid sudden starts and stops and go the speed limit. Minimize unnecessary miles by combining errands in one trip.

• Get a Tune-Up--Regular tune-ups, maintenance and having clean air filters will help your car pollute less and burn less gas. With a proper tune-up, you can save 4 percent on the cost of gas, and up to 40 percent by replacing a faulty oxygen sensor. Simply changing the car's air filter can improve efficiency by 10 percent.

• Lighten the Load--Extra items can weigh a vehicle down and cause an increase in gas usage. Empty out the trunk with the exception of emergency items such as a spare tire, flares and a first-aid kit.

• Tire Checks--According to the Car Care Council, around 2 billion gallons of gas could be saved each year if the tires on every American's car were properly inflated. Tires that are not properly inflated add rolling resistance that makes the engine work harder to move the vehicle. Optimal tire pressure for your vehicle is listed in the owner's manual.

• Gas Caps and Fill-Ups--Check your vehicle's gas cap. Approximately 17 percent of vehicles on the road have loose, damaged or missing gas caps, causing 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize every year. Topping off your gas tank when filling up your car can also release harmful vapors into the environment.

"Driving technique and proper vehicle maintenance go a long way toward protecting the environment. Vehicle owners who do their own maintenance should remember to recycle or properly dispose of fluids and other vehicle components, including used motor oil, tires and batteries," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

Source: Car Care Council