To make the most of time spent in your car, follow these energy saving measures:

• Ride share. Organize trips to combine several errands in one outing. Take advantage of public transportation.

• Obey speed limits and drive at a steady speed. Use cruise control for improved efficiency. Stop and start evenly.

• Don't idle the engine unnecessarily. Stop the engine at drive-up windows, ATMs, or while waiting for passengers. Limit engine warm-ups in winter.

• Travel light. Take unnecessary items out of the trunk, such as the golf clubs that only get used on weekends.

• Follow your owner's manual to keep your engine running at maximum environmental and economic efficiency.

Maintain your car:

• Don't remove or tamper with pollution controls.

• Get regular engine tune-ups and car maintenance checks. Spark plugs are especially important because a worn spark plug will cause poor starting, rough idling, and poor gas mileage.

• Make sure your tires are properly inflated and your wheels aligned. Doing this can prevent excessive drag and improve fuel economy.

• Keep car filters and catalytic converters clean. Dirty air filters increase fuel consumption.

• Use your car's air conditioner wisely. Air conditioning can reduce gas mileage by as much as 20 percent. Have leaks in your car air conditioner fixed by a certified technician who follows required recycling equipment for refrigerants.

Use proper waste and recycling methods:

• Avoid releasing gas vapors. Don't overfill or top off your gas tank. Take special care to avoid spills or the release of fume when refueling gasoline-powered lawn, garden, farm equipment, and boats.

• Do not pour oil or gasoline down the drain or into the ground. Do not dispose of them in the garbage. Call your local landfill, waste management company, or environmental protection agency for information on proper disposal of these products. Or, click on the oil drip to locate a motor oil recycling center near you.