From biodegradable engine fluids to waterless car washes, eco-friendly car care is more accessible than ever. Discover practical, sustainable maintenance habits that help reduce your vehicle’s environmental footprint, while saving you money and protecting the environment.

Why green car care matters

Singaporeans are increasingly embracing sustainability, from using reusable shopping bags to opting for energy-efficient homes. While electric vehicles (EVs) (Which are known to be more sustainable) are gaining traction in Singapore, many drivers still rely on traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, making eco-conscious maintenance habits all the more important for reducing environmental impact. For these drivers, how a car is maintained plays a crucial role in its environmental impact. Yet, car care is often overlooked when it comes to adopting greener habits. That makes how we maintain our vehicles a key opportunity to reduce waste and environmental harm.

The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your lifestyle or trade in your ride to start making a difference. By incorporating greener car care practices, you can cut emissions, conserve water, minimise harmful runoff, and extend your car’s lifespan, all while driving more responsibly. And if you drive an electric vehicle (EV), there are sustainable habits for you too, such as using energy-efficient charging practices, monitoring battery health, and choosing green-certified service centres for maintenance.

Switch to biodegradable fluids

Car fluids, like motor oil, brake fluid, and coolant, are essential for keeping your car running smoothly. However, many of these products are petroleum-based and toxic to the environment. Spills or improper disposal can contaminate soil and waterways, especially in dense urban areas like Singapore, where storm drains often lead directly to the sea.

Choose biodegradable or less-toxic alternatives, which are designed to break down naturally over time and cause less harm to the environment. Some synthetic oils also have longer lifespans, meaning fewer oil changes and less waste overall.

Go waterless with your car wash

A standard car wash can use anywhere from 80 to 140 litres of water, more than a full bathtub. Waterless car wash products offer a smarter, eco-friendly way to clean your car, especially in a water-conscious country like Singapore. These sprays are typically made with biodegradable ingredients that lift dirt and grime from the surface without the need for rinsing. You simply spray the solution onto the car, then wipe it off with a microfiber cloth. The formula encapsulates dirt particles, allowing them to be safely removed without scratching the paint.

Homegrown company No-H2O Singapore offers waterless car wash and detailing services that come to you—whether you’re at home, work, or even parked in a shopping mall. Their products are non-toxic, biodegradable, and perfect for city living.

Use a high-quality waterless car wash spray, microfiber cloths, and some elbow grease. These products encapsulate dirt so it can be wiped off without scratching the paint.

Keep your tyres inflated and aligned

Under-inflated tyres create more drag, which means your engine has to work harder and burn more fuel. Poor alignment can also cause uneven wear and reduce fuel efficiency. Maintaining tyre health is one of the easiest and most effective eco-actions you can take. Check your tyre pressure monthly and before long drives.

Align your wheels every 10,000–15,000 km or when you notice uneven wear.  Petrol stations across Singapore offer free air pumps for drivers to check and top up their tyre pressure. To find your car’s recommended tyre pressure, check the label usually located on the driver’s side door frame, inside the fuel flap, or in your vehicle owner’s manual. Keeping your tyres properly inflated improves fuel efficiency and reduces unnecessary wear. EVs tend to be heavier than ICE vehicles, which can lead to faster tyre wear. Regular tyre checks are even more critical for EV drivers to maintain efficiency and range.

Opt for recycled or rebuilt car parts

When a car part fails, most drivers automatically replace it with something new. But remanufactured or recycled parts perform just as well, often at a lower cost, and prevent old materials from ending up in landfills.

When replacing brake pads, batteries, alternators, or even engines, ask your mechanic about certified refurbished options. Look for parts that meet OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or ISO standards, and ensure they comply with Land Transport Authority (LTA) regulations to guarantee safety, performance, and roadworthiness in Singapore.

Use eco-friendly car detailing products

Many mainstream car shampoos, waxes, and tyre cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can run off into drains and pollute water systems. Choosing biodegradable and phosphate-free products is a better choice for the environment.

Select eco-labelled products with natural ingredients, such as carnauba wax or plant-based cleaners. Avoid aerosols and opt for concentrated solutions to reduce packaging waste. No matter what kind of car you drive, electric or petrol, using biodegradable and non-toxic products helps reduce your environmental impact.

Drive smart and light

How you drive doesn’t just affect the environment; it impacts your wallet, too. Aggressive driving, carrying unnecessary weight, and excessive idling all increase fuel consumption, leading to higher emissions and more frequent trips to the pump. By practising ‘eco-driving’ such as accelerating smoothly, maintaining steady speeds, and turning off the engine during long waits, you can significantly improve your car’s fuel efficiency and reduce running costs. Clearing out heavy items from your boot or roof rack also helps your vehicle run more efficiently.

For EV owners, gentle acceleration and maximising regenerative braking not only reduce energy use but also help extend battery life, saving money on charging and long-term maintenance.

Recycle your car battery properly

Car batteries contain heavy metals like lead and cadmium, which can be hazardous if not disposed of correctly. Recycling them ensures that these materials are recovered and reused instead of polluting the environment. Never throw your car battery into general waste.

Bring it to an NEA-licensed battery recycling facility or return it to your battery retailer.

Stay on top of regular maintenance

A well-maintained car is a more efficient and cleaner-running car. Dirty air filters, old spark plugs, or delayed oil changes can reduce fuel efficiency and increase harmful emissions. Stick to your manufacturer’s recommended service intervals and opt for workshops that follow green practices. While EVs require less maintenance overall, it’s important to keep software updated, brakes inspected, and battery cooling systems in good condition.

Look for CaseTrust-accredited workshops in Singapore that are recognised for quality and transparency.

Small habits, big impact

Driving in Singapore doesn’t have to come at the planet’s expense. By adopting greener car maintenance habits, you’re not only prolonging the life of your vehicle, you’re also helping to reduce pollution, conserve water, and support a cleaner, more sustainable city. Whether it’s switching to waterless car washes or insisting on biodegradable fluids, every small step adds up to a meaningful shift. The road to sustainability starts with how we care for what drives us.