“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of a difference you want to make.” — Jane Goodall
Fuel efficiency, emissions, and overall environmental friendliness are big considerations when buying a car in the 21st century. A lesser-known fact is that the choices you make throughout the life of your vehicle can also have an impact on the environment. In this article, we’re sharing tips from Lori and Angie at Master Auto Repair of Webster Groves on lowering the carbon footprint of vehicle ownership.
1 – Dispose of Tires Properly
The best thing a vehicle owner can do for the environment is to make sure your old tires get recycled instead of sent to a landfill or littered among the local landscape. Tires are so bad for the ecosystem, they aren’t even suitable for the dump. They take up enormous amounts of space and provide breeding ground for mosquitoes and pests. They leach poisons into water and soil. They also retain heat and trap combustible gases, which can lead to fires that produce carcinogenic smoke and toxic oils. Tire fires are notoriously difficult to control and extinguish, often burning for weeks on end.
Trust us, you don’t want old tires hanging around your property. Fortunately you can count on Master Auto Repair of Webster Groves for used tire disposal.
When you get new tires from Master Auto Repair of Webster Groves, Lori and Angie will have your old tires taken away by a licensed hauler to be properly recycled at a processing facility. We can even help dispose of other old tires you might have cluttering up your garage or shed. Your recycled tires can then be turned into new tires, fuel, paving material, mulch for landscaping and playgrounds, and many other things that give them a second life.
How much does tire disposal cost?
Note: We can only accept tires 22″ diameter or less.
The price for used tire disposal is $4.00 for just the tire, or $10.00 if the tire is still mounted on the wheel. This fee is collected to help cover storage and disposal costs as well as the hazardous waste management fees that are collected from us by the State every quarter. Scrap tires are regulated in the State of Missouri, and everything from our paperwork to our storage practices are routinely checked for compliance by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. We have to keep used tires stored outdoors, put rock salt in stacked tires to control mosquitoes, and only use licensed tire hauling services.
Missourians generate approximately 5 million scrap tires annually. Since the State’s tire cleanup and disposal efforts began in 1990, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has cleaned up more than 17.6 million scrap tires. Let’s keep it up!
2 – Dispose of Fluids Responsibly
Proper disposal of vehicle related fluids is paramount to environmentally responsible auto care. Gas and diesel fuel, engine oil, engine antifreeze/coolant, transmission, brake and power steering fluids, and other lubricants are hazardous to our environment. They should never be dumped on the ground, poured down the drain or sewer pipe, or thrown in the trash.
Please be mindful of this at home. Many of these fluids emit harmful and flammable fumes and all are poisonous to your pets and your people.
Master Auto Repair of Webster Groves uses all available resources for pick up and disposal of these fluids. Like waste tire disposal, this sector of the industry is regulated and monitored. We will accept vehicle waste fluids in limited quantities with nominal or no fees. Call or write ahead to arrange a drop off time Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Please do not drop off fluids outside of business hours. All containers must be sealed. Maximum 4 gallons total per planned visit. We do not accept household fluids or chemicals of any kind, but will accept oil and gas from your lawnmower.
3 – Vehicle Efficiency and Maintenance
The things you do to keep your vehicle from polluting the earth and the air are the same as many of the things you do to keep your vehicle running safely, reliably and efficiently.
Check Engine/Service Engine Soon Light
If this light is illuminated there is trouble with your engine management system, which often leads to higher emissions and lower fuel economy. There are hundreds of reasons that will trigger this light to illuminate. Let Master Auto give you a proper diagnosis immediately, then we’ll advise as to whether or not it needs to be repaired right away. There are some circumstances where repairs can be put off and many circumstances where a repair should be made right away.
The catch is that there is only one Check Engine light and a multitude of possible causes, so if you continue driving without making the necessary repairs, you won’t know for how many different reasons that light could be on. Be proactive and get it diagnosed professionally.
Tire Pressure
Under-inflated tires decrease fuel efficiency AND they wear out faster.
Routine Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance at the proper intervals affects fuel economy and will help keep that Check Engine light off.
- Oil changes at 3,000 – 5,000 mile intervals
- Fuel and air induction services at intervals of 20,000 – 30,000 miles
- The engine air filter should be changed when it starts getting dirty – intervals of 10,000 – 25,000 miles
- Spark plug replacement – intervals on most vehicles is 90,000 – 120,000 miles
- Engine cooling system service – intervals of 50,000 – 75,000 miles
- Transmission fluid service – if your transmission is not shifting properly, fuel economy is reduced. The intervals for transmission fluid service are 30,000 – 50,000 miles
Call Angie and Lori at Master Auto Repair to make an appointment for vehicle efficiency and maintenance services. We can help make a schedule for regular maintenance and repairs to help keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently.
4 – Keep Your Car on the Road
Car repair services in and of themselves are good for the environment. Maintaining your vehicle will keep it on the road longer, which keeps it out of the landfill. Regular checkups and preventive maintenance at a reliable auto shop will extend the life of your vehicle and keep it from breaking down to become scraps.
Choose Master Auto Repair of Webster Groves for Environmentally Responsible Auto Service
Here at Master Auto Repair of Webster Groves, we’re an environmentally focused auto shop for car repairs and tire services. Our values are reflected in all of the choices we make, from the products we carry to the suppliers we work with. We take great pride in being a part of the community in and around Webster Groves, so we do our best to protect it. Whether you need to dispose of old tires or fluids, get emissions services, or something else entirely, we’ll do our part to care for your car and keep our community clean at the same time.