The risk and the overall damage that emission brings to the environment is why different standards exist. In most countries, cars that are older than 15 years are required to pass an annual emission inspection to remain roadworthy. Dropping your car emissions also translates to a higher fuel economy, letting your car to travel miles before hitting the gas station.
Following are the different ways to lower your car emissions:
1. Tyres Should Be Checked
The common cause of low gas mileage is under-inflated tyres, and thus it releases higher emissions. They are more challenging for the car to roll around, as they carry more surface resistance. Also, they use up more fuel than usual, as the engine has to work harder to maintain speed.
To ensure tyres are within the pressure level, they should be checked every one to two weeks or as recommended by your car’s manufacturer. Keeping the tyres properly inflated also increases their service life due to less risk of wear and tear while driving.
2. Get Your Car Serviced Regularly
Servicing your car regularly keeps it performing in mint condition, and it also burns less fuel as possible. Regular servicing is vital for safety reasons since inaccurate fuel levels, faulty brake systems, a component malfunction, or neglected tyres are some of the leading causes of accidents.
3. Electronics Not Needed Should Be Turned Off
Composed of thousands of electronic and mechanical components, modern-day cars have become an exceptionally complex piece of engineering. But, a lot on the electronic side can be safely turned off when they are not required without worry, and this can help decrease your car’s fuel consumption.
4. Reduce Air Drag
The tremendous impact on your car’s fuel consumption is experienced by wind resistance, especially at high speeds. However, modern cars are designed to be aerodynamic, and there are a few things you can do by yourself that can further help reduce the air drag in your car.
Let’s have a look at how you can make your car more aerodynamic. But, make sure to consult a trusted mechanic regarding the safety of these modifications on your specific car model before you decide to go ahead with it.
- Reducing Your Vehicle’s Ground Clearance
- Eliminating The Roof Rack
- Mounting Spats (wheel arch covers)
- Adding Side Skirts
- Mounting A Rear Spoiler Of The Right Design.
- Mounting A Belly Pan (Underbody Panel)
5. Fuel Additives Should Be Considered
If you have an old car, mixing a quality fuel additive in its gas tank can help enhance its performance and reduce the emission of polluting particulates like nitrogen oxide. Many fuel additives also provide additional benefits like preventing the fuel injectors from getting clogged and slow down the rate of fuel deterioration from extreme temperatures.
6. Prolonged Idling Must Be Avoided
On an average, for every hour your car engine is left idle, roughly a gallon of fuel is wasted. A certain amount of CO2 is released for every gallon of fuel that is burned in your car. Thus, whenever possible, do not leave your car idling for longer durations. In most modern cars, turning off your engine when not driving and then restarting it again tends to consume and burn less fuel than idling for more than half a minute.
7. Periodically Replace the Air Filters
Reduced airflow to your car’s engine can be experienced due to an old, clogged up air filter, potentially leading to increased fuel consumption and higher emission rate. It may also cause your car’s spark plugs to become polluted or increase engine deposits, which, if left unaddressed, can lead to other issues. Eliminate such problems by regularly replacing your old air filters with new ones at the recommended intervals, as indicated in your car’s maintenance schedule.
Conclusion
You should try and adjust your driving habits to help cut down on emissions. Drivers who slam on the brakes to get the car going are not helping themselves or others. If you ease into a thoughtful stop or start, you will have a better fuel economy and lower emissions. Keeping your car healthy with regular servicing will also help keep your car clean with lower emissions. The emission generated by the cars is supposed to be reduced, as much as possible, you should not let your car idle for too long, especially if you drive a diesel-powered vehicle.