Car Care
The Road to Clean Air
How is car maintenance linked to clean air?
One important feature of most cars build since 1975 is the catalytic converter. When properly functioning, catalytic converters and electronic engine systems can reduce harmful emissions by up to 90%. Some car owners and mechanics tamper with their emission control equipment, under the mistaken impression that performance and fuel efficiency will be improved. In fact, emission controls are integral to the functioning of your car’s engine; if it has been tampered with, both performance and fuel efficiency will be reduced.
Undergoing an annual emission inspection in those states where an inspection and maintenance (I/M) program is in place will help insure that your car’s emission control equipment functions properly. In addition, regular tune-ups can improve fuel efficiency by up to 15% — a big savings at the pump.
Using leaded gas in a car that requires unleaded gas reduces spark plug and oil filter life and damages both the exhaust system and the catalytic converted. Some car owners switch leaded gas for unleaded, trying to save pennies at the pump. In fact, using the proper fuel saves far more money than would otherwise be spent for replacement parts and repairs. This makes economic and environmental sense!
Many other components on your car (spark plugs, fuel metering system, ignition timing, etc) can also increase air pollution emission and decrease fuel economy when they aren't functioning properly. These problems and others can be discovered and corrected by following the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for preventive maintenance.
Following the tips described above and having your car tuned up regularly, at least once a year, will go a long way towards reducing air pollution, improving you car’s performance, conserving energy, and saving you money on repairs.
Cars and Pollution
Motor vehicles contribute nearly half the total amount of man-made air pollution in the United States today. Motor vehicle emissions account for approximately 60% of the carbon monoxide (CO), more than one-quarter of the hydrocarbons (HC), and one-third of the nitrogen oxides (NOx) in our nation’s air.
Carbon monoxide emissions are a result of incomplete fuel combustion. CO is a colorless, odorless gas which limits the blood’s ability to transport oxygen to body tissues. This places a strain on people with weak hearts and respiratory diseases, the elderly, and pregnant women. High levels of CO can also cause dizziness, headaches, impaired coordination and, at very high levels, even death.
Nitrogen oxides are the result of high temperature combustion. These pollutants can damage lung tissue and aggravate chronic lung diseases such as asthma. In addition, NOx can lower the body’s resistance to respiratory infection.
Hydrocarbons are another product of incomplete combustion, and when exposed to sunlight are involved in the chemical reactions which lead to the formation of ozone.
Ozone, a major component of smog, is a strong irritant to the eyes and respiratory tract. Like NOx, ozone can cause increased respiratory problems for people with asthma and other respiratory diseases.
October is National Car Care Month
Each October, motorists across the United States observe National Car Care
Month. The goal of National Car Care Month is to advance the benefits of
cleanser air, energy conservation, safer road, and consumer savings through
proper car maintenance. During the month of October, this will be made more
possible by special events in your community and savings at participating
garages and services stations. Observing National Car Care Month during
October – and all year long – will benefit you, your car, your
environment and your health!