Cars and trucks are the primary source of smog-forming emissions in Miami-Dade.  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 www.fueleconomy.gov  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 4 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 ¼ MPG.
• 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 web site 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 your air is, and the associated health concerns. Plan your outdoor activities accordingly. For air quality forecasts visit http://www.epa.gov/airnow/ For information on ozone, the AQI, and how it affects you visit http://www.epa.gov/airnow/consumer.html
• Minimize sun exposure- seek shade. Wear sun block and UV protection sunglasses. For more information visit Individual Actions to Protect the Ozone Layer at http://www.epa.gov/ozone/resource/indiv.html  
• For more information on what you can do to protect yourself visit http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/actionsteps.html