You know that old rule about changing your oil every three months or 3,000 miles, whatever comes first? Well, make sure to check your car's manual. Newer cars are usually more efficient and drivers can go longer between oil changes.

Then, you'll want to pick better oil. You'll see a lot of options in the motor oil aisle. There are a few things you'll need to know before picking one. Conventional motor oil is derived from crude oil. It usually is cheaper than synthetic oil but synthetics are made to make your engine run more efficiently so you'll get better gas mileage and more horsepower. And now, there's something new on the motor oil market. Valvoline is one of the first major manufacturers to offer motor oil made from 50 percent recycled oil. And, this motor oil works just as well as any synthetic variety. You can use it when you change the oil yourself or you can take it to one of Valvoline's oil change centers and ask for it.

But remember, if you're not the one changing your oil, make sure the shop you take your vehicle to responsibly recycles all the old stuff. Many of them do, but you'll want to ask to make sure. You can also take your own used motor oil and oil filters to most full service recycling centers and some automotive businesses. Whatever you do, don't pour oil down a storm drain! Those drain directly to local waterways and just one gallon of motor oil can contaminate a million gallons of water.

There are a lot of ways to clean up your car care routine and changing your oil change practices is an important one.

(Terri Bennett is a veteran TV meteorologist, syndicated columnist, and host of DoYourPart.com where you can find everyday green living ideas that are better for you and the planet. Send questions to terri@doyourpart.com.)