Environmental Tips for Your Car

Cars and trucks are the primary source of smog-forming emissions in Miami-Dade County. By taking some simple steps to maintain your car, you can cut your personal contribution to dirty air and save some money too!

• Consider fuel efficiency when purchasing a new car 
  Check out how to find and compare cars.
• Get regular tune-ups
  Regular tune-ups for your car will increase its fuel efficiency and reduce air pollutant emissions by more than half. Check out AAA's Car Maintenance Guide for more information.
• Keep tires properly inflated.
  If your tires are under-inflated by just four pounds, it will cost you a half-mile per gallon.
• Use mass transit (Metrorail, Metrobus, or Tri-Rail) 
  Get routes and schedules at from Miami-Dade Transit or call 305-770-3131.
• Share a ride 
  Call Commuter Services at 1-800-234-RIDE to find someone who lives and works close to you. Get free-ride-home vouchers too. Vanpooling information for companies or individuals is also available.
• Ride your bike when conditions permit
  Did you know you can "Bike & Ride" on Metrobus and Metrorail?
• Plan ahead 
  Run several errands in one trip instead of one errand at a time. A cold engine consumes about 20 percent more fuel than a warm one.
• Clear out the trunk 
  Don’t let your car become a storage compartment with wheels. For every 50 pounds of junk you lug around, you lose about 1/4 miles per gallon.
• Tell a friend 
  One of the best ways to make a difference is to share your success in saving our air with your friends and co-workers. Point them to this website or other great sources for ideas.

Besides helping to prevent pollution here are some things you can do to directly protect you and your family's health.

• Check daily air pollution forecasts and the Air Quality Index (AQI), which tells how clean or polluted our air is, and the associated health concerns. Plan your outdoor activities accordingly. Read more information on ozone, the AQI and how it affects you.
• Minimize sun exposure - seek shade. Wear sun block and UV protection sunglasses. Read more information about the ozone layer.  
• Read more information about protecting yourself from the sun.