While there are many actions people can take to “green up,” most people believe that reducing one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases — their vehicles — means only one thing: buying a pricey hybrid. But this is a myth, as there are many simple steps consumers can take to drive greener:

• Avoid unnecessary driving by planning your trips wisely and making efficient routes and stops.
• Keep your car well maintained by following your vehicle’s service manual and getting regular oil changes.
• Ensure proper tire maintenance, tread and inflation. A properly inflated tire can increase gas mileage 10 percent to 30 percent. (Ideal inflation should be listed on the sidewall of the tire).
• Tighten the gas cap after every fill-up. A loose, cracked or missing gas cap can emit harmful emissions and reduce gas mileage, which can be painful as environmental concerns escalate and gas prices hover at an all-time high.
• Avoid stop-and-go traffic by driving at off-peak times.
• Limit idling. Idling for more than 10 seconds uses more gas and causes more pollution than simply restarting your engine.
• Select the most efficient vehicle for your lifestyle. if you don’t need an eight-seat SUV on a regular basis, don’t buy one. Instead, consider renting a bigger vehicle for the few occasions when you need it.
• If budget allows, consider purchasing a green vehicle, such as a hybrid.
• Get your annual or biannual emissions test. A majority of states and some local agencies require you to get your car “smogged” before you can sell it or register it.
• Never drive for extended periods of time with an illuminated “Check Engine” light. More than 8 percent of all vehicles on the road today have an illuminated “Check Engine” light. You should never drive for extended periods of time with this light on, as it can signify a problem that is harmful to both the environment and your vehicle.

Most important is making sure your car or truck is in optimal running condition. One way to do this is to periodically test your car for any emissions-related problems, before the “Check Engine” light turns on. Adopted as a government mandate to lower emissions, the “Check Engine” light illuminates when a vehicle’s computer detects a problem that impacts emissions output. All 1996 and newer cars, light trucks, SUVs and minivans manufactured for use in the U.S. — foreign and domestic — have this on-board diagnostic (OBD) technology.

CarMD® (www.CarMD.com) is a revolutionary diagnostic tool that gives drivers a fast, convenient solution for monitoring their vehicles’ health, particularly related to “Check Engine” light issues. CarMD combines an easy-to-use handheld device with an unprecedented online database to provide consumers with information that, until now, only mechanics could access, including a PC-based diagnostic report with probable cause and estimated repair costs. It can also tell you if your vehicle is ready to pass its emissions (smog) test.

CarMD helps keep your vehicle running cleaner and more efficiently by detecting problems with your emissions system. By identifying misfires, catalytic converter problems or even a loose gas cap, drivers can pinpoint the problem, improve gas mileage and reduce emissions output — which help ensures a greener future for us all.