Going green means Gages Lake Auto helps the Earth, saves you money

When you think about taking care of the environment, auto repair shops probably don't jump to the top of your "green" list. But at Gages Lake Auto Repair, being "green" is something we practice every day. Not only are we trying to help the Earth and improve everyone's health, we also are working to save you money and run an efficient operation!

Here are some of the ways we work to be Earth-friendly:

• We use a waste oil heater. This EPA-approved unit allows us to burn engine oil to heat the facility. Burning the oil reduces the chances of the oil leaking or spilling as it's being transported to a recycling facility. It also helps us decrease our carbon footprint and dependence on virgin fossil fuel.
•  We recycle all of the oil filters we remove during oil changes. An oil filter is made of paper, steel and plastic, all of which can be recycled. Consider this: For every 2,000 pounds of recycled oil filters, 1,700 pounds of steel are recycled.
• We recycle all the tires we collect when we install new ones. More than 290 million scrap tires are generated each year, and they can be used in a variety of ways, such as for fuel, ground rubber applications like playgrounds and in hot melt asphalt.
• We recycle coolant. Ethylene glycol, the primary active ingredient in antifreeze, is produced from natural gas, which is a finite, non-renewable resource.
• We offer remanufactured auto parts. These parts are virtually indistinguishable from a new part. They can cost 25-50 percent less than domestically made new replacement parts, and often carry the same warranty or better, while reducing the use of raw materials, air pollution, energy and landfill space.

There are also a variety of ways that drivers can get on the green bandwagon. Getting your car serviced regularly is one of the most important things you can do to minimize emissions and maximize fuel efficiency. Regular service will find problems that reduce gas mileage and increase pollution. Even just 2 more mpg will decrease the amount of carbon dioxide your car puts into the air by more than 2,000 pounds per year.

• Start with regular oil changes, along with checking air and fuel filters. Replacing a dirty air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.
• If you change the oil in your car yourself, or perform other work, be sure to dispose of all fluids properly. Never pour used oil down a drain, storm sewer or on the ground. Just a single quart of used engine oil can pollute 250,000 gallons of ground water.
• Plan your trips and combine errands. If you make a lot of short trips, your exhaust system does not warm up enough to function properly, which means more air pollution.
• Make sure your tires are properly inflated. You will get more than 3 percent better gas mileage, and more life out of your tires, which means fewer tires that need to be disposed of or recycled.
• Don't ignore your check engine light. If the light is lit, there's a good chance the car is releasing excess pollutants or consuming too much gas.
• Check the vehicle gas cap and replace it if it is damaged. If the cap isn't on tightly, gas can escape and vaporize, and who wants to breathe that in?
• If you're looking to buy a new car, look for ones that have the best fuel economy and lowest emissions. Fewer emissions translates to better air quality.
• You can also consider an alternative vehicle, such as a plug-in electric, hybrid or partial zero-emission vehicle. All of these offer great gas mileage and reduced tailpipe emissions.
• Buy only what you need, in terms of size. The bigger the vehicle, the more gas used and the more pollution created.
• Consider the color of vehicle you purchase. Darker vehicles will be hotter in summer, which means you'll be using more air conditioning to be comfortable.

Clean air, breathable air and fewer natural resources used are great results of going green. Another benefit? If your car is well taken care of and running optimally (which means you're getting the best gas mileage), it's saving you money!

Mark LeBlanc is the owner and founder of Gages Lake Auto & Light Truck in Gages Lake. He started in the automotive industry in 1984, excelling as an Automotive Technician for more than 20 years until he opened Gages Lake Auto in 2006. Mark is an ASE-Certified Master Technician with L1 Advanced Engine Performance Certification. He holds a Fuel & Diesel Certificate from Lincoln Technical Institute in Melrose Park, IL and a philosophy degree from Harper College. You can reach Mark via email at service@gageslakeautorepair.com or by phone at (847) 548-2277.