Stopping Car Pollution: What Can Be Done?

Cars and automobility have killed 60–80 million people and injured at least 2 billion since their invention. In addition to the human cost, car emissions have a detrimental impact on the environment. While governments are trying to implement changes to address this issue, there are also steps that individuals can take to reduce car pollution. This includes driving less, driving smarter, and choosing a more fuel-efficient vehicle.

Drive less

Driving less is one of the most effective ways to reduce car pollution. Here are some ways to help you drive less and reduce vehicle emissions:

Walk or Bike

If your destination is within walking or biking distance, opt for these emission-free travel options. Not only will you reduce air pollution, but you'll also get some exercise and fresh air. This is a great option for shorter distances, and you can also utilize bike-share programs if they are available in your area.

Use Public Transportation

Taking the bus, train, or light rail is a more environmentally friendly alternative to driving, especially for longer distances. Public transportation reduces the number of vehicles on the road and, therefore, the amount of vehicle emissions.

Carpool

If you need to commute to work or school, consider carpooling with colleagues or classmates who live nearby. By sharing rides, you can reduce the number of cars on the road and save money on fuel costs.

Work from Home

If your job allows it, working from home a few days a week can significantly reduce your commute-related emissions. This not only helps the environment but can also provide you with more time and flexibility in your daily routine.

Plan Efficient Trips

Planning your trips efficiently can help you reduce the overall distance travelled by car. Try to combine multiple errands into a single trip, and plan your route to visit places in a logical order to save time and fuel.

By implementing these strategies, you can substantially reduce your contribution to car pollution and improve the quality of the air in your community.

Drive a less-polluting vehicle

Driving a less-polluting vehicle is one of the most effective ways to reduce air pollution from motor vehicles. Here are some tips to help you choose and operate a less-polluting vehicle:

Choose a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle

When purchasing a new car, opt for fuel-efficient vehicles with low greenhouse gas emissions. These cars are environmentally friendly and can also save you money on fuel costs. The EPA's Green Vehicle Guide can help you identify more efficient and less-polluting options, such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and cleaner-burning gasoline vehicles. Compare different vehicle models using the EPA's Fuel Economy and Environment Label to find the most suitable option for your needs.

Consider Electric or Hybrid Vehicles

The market offers a wide range of hybrid and all-electric vehicles. These vehicles burn less fuel or no fuel at all, resulting in fewer harmful combustion by-products. While initial costs may be higher, prices are becoming more affordable as these technologies become more common. If a hybrid or electric vehicle does not meet your specific needs, you can still opt for a traditional gasoline vehicle with improved fuel efficiency.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Regardless of the type of vehicle you own, proper maintenance is crucial to ensure it runs as cleanly and efficiently as possible. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, including regular oil changes and tune-ups. Keep your tires properly inflated, as this improves fuel efficiency and reduces pollution. If your vehicle has complex emission controls, pay attention to any warning lights on your dashboard, as they may indicate the need for repairs or maintenance to keep your car running cleanly.

Drive Efficiently

The way you drive can significantly impact your vehicle's emissions. Observe posted speed limits, accelerate gradually, and maintain a steady speed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Avoid unnecessary idling, as idling vehicles waste fuel and contribute to air pollution. Turn off your engine if you expect to be stopped for extended periods, except in traffic. Combining multiple errands into a single trip, known as "trip chaining," can also help reduce the time spent on the road and lower your emissions.

Maintain your vehicle

Maintaining your vehicle is essential to reducing car pollution. Here are some detailed and direct instructions to help you keep your car in good condition:

Regular Servicing and Maintenance:

Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for your car. This includes getting regular tune-ups and using the recommended motor oil for your vehicle. Refer to your owner's manual for guidance on maintenance intervals and the type of oil to use. Regular servicing ensures that your car runs efficiently and cleanly.

Oil Changes:

In addition to regular servicing, stay on top of oil changes. Engine oil lubricates and protects the moving parts of your engine. Over time, oil breaks down and becomes less effective, so changing it at the recommended intervals is crucial. This will help improve engine performance and reduce harmful emissions.

Tire Maintenance:

Keeping your tires properly inflated is essential for optimal fuel efficiency. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, making your car work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and adjust it according to the recommendations in your owner's manual. This simple step can significantly impact your vehicle's fuel efficiency and emissions.

Emission Controls:

Newer vehicles are equipped with complex emission controls to ensure they run as cleanly as possible. If any of these controls malfunction, your car may pollute more than it should. Pay attention to warning lights on your dashboard, especially the "check engine" light, as it could indicate a problem affecting your vehicle's emissions. Take your car to a qualified automotive technician for diagnosis and repair.

Avoid Idling:

Unnecessary idling wastes fuel and increases emissions. Modern vehicles do not require warming up in cold weather, so there is no need to idle your engine before driving. If you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute or two, consider turning off the engine, as long as it is safe to do so. This simple habit can reduce both fuel consumption and emissions.

Use Recommended Fuel and Alternative Fuels:

When filling up your tank, opt for the fuel type recommended by the manufacturer. Using a lower-grade fuel can negatively impact performance and increase emissions. Additionally, consider alternative fuels, such as ethanol blends or electric options, which are cleaner than regular gasoline or diesel.

Avoid idling

Idling cars are a major source of air pollution. When a car is idling, it releases harmful chemicals, gases, and particle pollution ("soot") into the air, contributing to ozone, regional haze, and global climate change. Idling is also an incredibly inefficient use of fuel—a typical car wastes 1/5 gallon of gasoline for each hour idled. This wastes money and natural resources.

To avoid idling, turn off your engine if you're stopped for more than a minute or two. Modern vehicles do not need to "warm up" in cold weather, and restarting your vehicle will not use more fuel than letting it run. In fact, idling for just 10 seconds uses more fuel than turning off the engine and restarting it. So, if it's safe to do so, turn off your engine when you're stopped for more than a short period of time.

You can also reduce idling by planning your trips efficiently. Combine multiple errands into one trip, and try to walk, bike, or take public transit instead of driving whenever possible. If you're idling in traffic, consider an alternate route that may be less congested. You can also carpool with others who are headed in the same direction—this will reduce the total number of cars on the road and the amount of time spent idling in traffic.

Finally, consider investing in a more fuel-efficient vehicle. Electric and hybrid vehicles often have a range of over 100 miles, which meets most people's daily commuting needs. Fuel-efficient vehicles reduce pollution and save you money on fuel costs. By avoiding idling and making other small changes, you can help reduce air pollution and improve the environment.

Drive slower

Driving slower is one of the most effective ways to reduce car pollution. Firstly, it is important to understand that driving at lower speeds helps to reduce fuel consumption per kilometre. This means that driving slower results in lower emissions of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.

A study by CE Delft estimated that lowering the speed limit for cars to 80 km/h (50 mph) can lead to a significant 30% reduction in transport CO2 emissions on highways in the long term. This reduction is due to vehicles burning less fuel per kilometre at lower speeds. Additionally, lower speed limits can lead to a shift from private cars to public transport as travel times increase, further reducing emissions.

Observing posted speed limits and driving at optimal speeds are crucial. Driving at 65 mph, for example, is 8% less efficient than driving at 55 mph, while driving at 80 mph is a highly inefficient 28% less efficient. The New York Times estimated that reinstating a 55 mph speed limit could save around 3 billion gallons of gasoline annually, significantly reducing vehicle emissions.

To drive slower and reduce emissions, it is recommended to maintain a steady speed with less stop-and-go driving. Anticipating the road ahead and avoiding rapid acceleration and deceleration can help achieve this. Slowing down can also improve traffic safety and reduce congestion, creating a more efficient and environmentally friendly transportation system.

In summary, driving slower by adhering to speed limits, maintaining steady speeds, and anticipating the road ahead are effective ways to reduce car pollution. These practices not only reduce emissions but also improve fuel efficiency and promote a safer and less congested driving environment.

Frequently asked questions