FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
01-svor9 

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL CAR CARE MONTH

GIVE YOUR CAR AND THE AIR A GIFT WITH 686-SMOG

(RENO, Nev.) – Truckee Meadows residents still have an opportunity to celebrate National Car Care Month with proper car maintenance and by calling 686-SMOG to report vehicles emitting visible exhaust. 

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides driving and maintenance tips to help keep your car in good condition, which can save money and improve the air in the Truckee Meadows. 

1. Speak out for clean air and report smoking vehicles by calling 686-SMOG:  Callers should be prepared to provide the license plate number of the smoking vehicle, the approximate time the vehicle was spotted and the location of the vehicle.  All information is confidential
2. Know the smoke signals: Blue smoke could be an indication of engine problems; Gray or Black smoke could result from a clogged air filter or a blocked manifold; and White smoke could be a leaky head gasket. 
3. Weatherize your car for winter:  Auto experts recommend switching to lighter weight oil and checking anti-freeze fluid levels to prepare your vehicle for the colder months ahead.
4. Don’t overfill or top off your gas tank:  This prevents spilled gas vapors from entering the air.
5. Use clean fuels when available: use reformulated gasoline, oxygenated gasoline and alternative fuels.
6. Reduce driving by planning your day efficiently:  Combine trips to reduce driving time.
7. Keep your car well tuned: Follow regular maintenance guidelines provided in the owner’s manual.
8. Save money: Have your emissions control system checked regularly to prevent costly repairs in the future. 
9. Drive smoothly: Avoid lengthy idling and drive at a constant speed.
10. Shop smart: Take advantage of environmentally sensitive cars including electric vehicles, gas-electric cars, dual fuel and bi-fuel vehicles.

The smoking vehicle program started in 1996, resulting in more than 32,000 calls over the last five years to the DMV.  The program has helped to get more than 5,000 smoking vehicles cleaned up resulting in cleaner air for the region. 

For more information on the smoking vehicle program call 1-877-DMV-STAT (1-877-368-7828) or access http://www.dmvnv.com/emission.htm.

-###-