It is common knowledge that cars produce emissions. These exhaust gasses have a negative influence on the air quality and, consequently, possibly also on our health. The 3 main emission gases are Carbon Monoxide (CO), unburned Hydrocarbons (HC) and Nitrogen Dioxide(NOx).
For example Carbon Monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen our blood can carry. And high levels of exposure to Nitrogen Dioxide can affect lung function and increase the response to allergens in people who are sensitive to these.
The European Union has set maximum permissible levels for concentrations of pollutants that are harmful to human health and environment. These standards are applicable to every car that is being produced nowadays.
Furthermore, over the past years the quality of fuel has been improved. This is also a large step forward in trying to lower emissions and improve air quality. Compared to 1970, new cars are now 50x less pollutant. This sounds good, but we have many more cars on the road now. So even though this is a considerable step forward it is not enough.
There are many easy ways for us to do our bit in trying to lower our CO2 footprint.
Buy wise
The information available when buying a new car is comprehensive. When making the decision to buy which car, you should take this information into account. We can buy cars with next to no emissions now. This will also save you money, as owners of cars with low emissions pay less car tax.
Drive wise
Speeding is not only expensive when you get caught and receive a ticket. You also use up to 33% more fuel per mile. Most modern cars have a speed limiter and/or a cruise control built in. Using either of these can help you lower your fuel consumption.
Most cars are built to be aerodynamic. This means that the airflow is optimal, so there is as little air resistance as possible. By putting items on your roof, you will disturb this aerodynamic and as a result, you will use more fuel.
Also when you drive aggressively, the fuel does not get the chance to be burned completely. And part of the fuel leaves through the exhaust unused. These particles are labeled as pollutants. They could be invisible but they are there.
Besides the exhaust gasses, there are also small particles produced by tire and brake wear.
So by accelerating strongly, additional to using more fuel, you also wear out the tires unnecessarily. And by breaking hard you wear out both your tyres and brakes more quickly.
Keep up Maintenance and Service
Give your car the much needed TLC by regular maintenance and service. This way you can prevent wear and tear of parts of your car that, when they are worn, can causing higher pollution. And any tiny issues will be found early and can be solved before they have progressed into a problem.
For example, if your air filters are clogged, this can cause the engine to lose power. So a simple thing like replacing a clogged air filter will improve your car’s performance. And even a small thing like a dirty spark plug can cause wasted fuel, which consequently causes additional pollution.
Keep an eye on your tire pressure too. This can improve your fuel mileage by 3-4%.
Every little help.