These easy checks will help your car run more efficiently, which saves you money and reduces the amount of carbon emissions, that means pollution. Big companies are saving millions by making their vehicles more efficient. If they can do it, so can you.

Peterbilt teamed with Wal-Mart to develop a heavy-duty hybrid. As more companies adopt environmentally friendly practices, it encourages other businesses and individuals to follow suit.

Companies are also making sure their older vehicles are performing as efficiently as possible, with ways you can apply to your own driving habits:

When starting your engine, don't rev it - let it warm up on its own.

Make sure all car fluid levels, including power steering and oil are at appropriate levels.

And driving at safe speeds while not over-revving the engine reduces wear and tear and the amount of pollution, while maintaining better gas mileage.

Of course carpooling, using public transportation and bicycling are great ways to get to where you need to be more efficiently.