Climate change, poor air quality, and health problems — automobile emissions lead to a plethora of issues. Electric vehicles have become more popular, but they still have a long way to go.
The good news? There are some efforts you can make to reduce vehicle emissions at an individual level. Here’s a closer look at the six most effective tips:
1. Drives Less
Change begins at home. The first thing you can do is reduce the number of miles you drive every day. Walk or bike wherever you can. This can be the grocery store, gym, or the nearby park.
We get it – you can’t go to work on a bike. So, choose public transit or carpool with colleagues to reduce emissions. You can also use ride-sharing services.
2. Adopt Green Driving Habits
Another effective way to reduce automobile emissions is to adopt green driving habits. Here are some examples:
- Maintain a steady speed. Use cruise control on highways where safe and try to stay at a consistent speed throughout the journey.
- Drive smoothly. Avoid harsh braking and rapid acceleration.
- Respect speed limits.
Moreover, drive efficiently. Go easy on the gas pedal and brakes.
3. Maintain or Repair Your Vehicle
One of the easiest ways to reduce emissions is to maintain your vehicle on time. Checking and repairing worn-out parts like brake pads and tires can reduce fuel efficiency. Those few bucks saved on regular maintenance can turn into big-ticket repairs.
Here are some tips you should follow:
- Regularly check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and other fluids.
- Replace air filters. Replace them when they are dirty or every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.
- Replace wiper blades or spark plugs.
- Replace brake pads when worn out.
4. Reduce Idling
Idling has a plethora of negative impacts on your vehicle’s health and the environment. It wastes fuel, digging a hole in your wallet. Moreover, harmful gases like carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides can contribute to respiratory issues.
The good news? Reducing idling is super easy. Modern vehicles do not require warming up in the winter, so that’s one issue solved. You can also turn off the engine when you anticipate being stopped for more than 10 seconds.
You should also be mindful of and obey no-idling signs.
5. Change Air Filters
Dirty and clogged air filters restrict air flow to the engine. This results in an incorrect and fuel-rich air-fuel mixture. Your vehicle also releases additional pollutants, contributing to emissions.
Change your vehicle’s air filters every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or as recommended by your car mechanic. The exact timing also depends on the kind of conditions you usually drive in. For instance, if you frequently drive in dusty, highly polluted areas, you might need to replace the air filter before 12,000 miles.
6. Use a Cleaning Agent
Lastly, add a cleaning agent to the fuel tank every now and then. This will help remove deposits from your fuel injectors, intake valves, and combustion chambers. A cleaning agent can help restore your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, eventually leading to reduced emissions.
