Combustion Engines: Reducing Pollution, Improving Air Quality

Internal combustion engines (ICEs) are a significant environmental threat, producing greenhouse gas emissions and particle emissions that harm all organisms and nature's lifecycles. While different models, better fuel refinement, and emissions reduction technologies have helped reduce ICE pollution, more sustainable solutions are needed. One solution is to transition to electric vehicles (EVs), which produce fewer carbon dioxide emissions and other pollutants than gasoline- and diesel-powered cars. In addition to reducing emissions, EVs can also provide public health benefits, such as reduced respiratory problems and improved air quality. Other ways to reduce pollution from combustion engines include driving less, choosing fuel-efficient vehicles, and maintaining vehicles to ensure they run efficiently and cleanly.

Drive fuel-efficient vehicles

Driving a fuel-efficient vehicle is one of the most effective ways to reduce pollution from combustion engines. Here are some tips to help you drive a fuel-efficient vehicle and reduce your environmental impact:

Choose a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle

When purchasing a new car, opt for a fuel-efficient model with low greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicles (EVs) are the most environmentally friendly option, but if that is not an option, consider a plug-in hybrid or a cleaner-burning gasoline vehicle. These cars are designed to be more efficient and produce fewer pollutants. The EPA's Green Vehicle Guide and Fuel Economy and Environment Label are excellent resources to help you choose the most fuel-efficient and eco-friendly vehicle that meets your needs.

Reduce the Number of Miles Driven

The simplest way to reduce emissions is to drive less. Consider walking, biking, or using public transportation whenever possible. If you need to drive, try carpooling or ride-sharing to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Planning your trips efficiently by combining multiple errands into one trip can also help reduce unnecessary miles driven.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure your vehicle runs as cleanly and efficiently as possible. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, including regular tune-ups and oil changes. Keep your tires properly inflated, as this makes your vehicle more efficient and reduces fuel consumption. Additionally, modern vehicles do not require idling to "warm up" the engine, so avoid leaving your engine running when the car is not in motion to prevent unnecessary fuel consumption and emissions.

Drive Efficiently

Your driving habits can also impact fuel efficiency and emissions. Observing posted speed limits, accelerating gradually, and maintaining a steady speed can help reduce fuel consumption. Aggressive driving, such as rapid acceleration and constant stop-and-go driving, increases fuel usage and emits more pollutants.

Consider Alternative Transportation

If possible, opt for alternative modes of transportation that do not rely on combustion engines at all. This includes walking, biking, or using electric scooters or skateboards for shorter distances. For longer distances, consider taking the bus or train, which can transport multiple passengers while producing fewer emissions per person.

By following these tips and choosing to drive fuel-efficient vehicles, you can significantly reduce pollution from combustion engines and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.

Maintain your vehicle

Maintaining your vehicle is an important step in reducing pollution from combustion engines. Here are some ways to ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and running as efficiently as possible:

Regular Tune-ups and Maintenance

Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for your vehicle. This includes getting regular tune-ups and using the recommended motor oil for your car. Refer to your owner's manual for guidance on the specific maintenance requirements for your vehicle.

Oil Changes

Schedule regular oil changes as per the recommendations in your owner's manual. Using the correct type of motor oil can help reduce engine wear and tear and improve fuel efficiency.

Check Engine Light

If the check engine light comes on, take your vehicle to a qualified automotive technician as soon as possible. This warning light indicates that your vehicle is not operating as designed and may be polluting more than it should. Addressing any issues promptly will help keep your vehicle running cleanly and efficiently.

Proper Tire Inflation

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires can increase fuel consumption and lead to increased pollution. Check your owner's manual for the correct tire pressure for your vehicle.

Speed and Acceleration

The way you drive can also impact your vehicle's pollution output. Observing posted speed limits and accelerating gradually can help reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions. Maintaining a steady speed and avoiding rapid acceleration and deceleration can improve fuel efficiency.

Drive less

Driving less is one of the most effective ways to reduce air pollution from motor vehicles. This is because the fewer miles driven, the fewer emissions produced. If you can, try walking or biking to your destination. This way, you will emit zero pollutants. For longer distances, consider riding the bus or train. If public transportation is not an option where you live, you may be able to carpool with someone who lives nearby. This way, you will not only pollute less, but you will also save money on fuel. Working from home, even just a few days a week, can also help to reduce the number of miles driven and, therefore, your emissions.

When you do need to drive, there are several ways to drive more efficiently and reduce your emissions. Firstly, avoid aggressive driving behaviours such as accelerating and braking suddenly. Instead, try to maintain a steady speed, accelerate gradually and anticipate the road ahead to avoid unnecessary stops. Observing speed limits is not only safer but also reduces emissions, as driving faster burns more fuel and emits more air pollutants.

Another way to reduce emissions is to keep your tires properly inflated. Tires that are underinflated have higher rolling resistance, which increases fuel consumption. Additionally, removing any unnecessary weight from your vehicle will help improve fuel efficiency, as every extra 50 kg increases fuel consumption by 2%. Finally, if you are waiting for someone or something for more than three minutes, turn off your engine, as idling engines burn fuel and produce emissions.

Drive more efficiently

Driving more efficiently is a key way to reduce the amount of pollution emitted by combustion engines. Here are some tips to drive more efficiently and reduce pollution:

• Reduce the number of miles driven: The best way to reduce air pollution from motor vehicles is to drive less. Opt for walking or biking for shorter distances, and consider public transportation or carpooling for longer trips.
• Choose a fuel-efficient vehicle: When purchasing a new car, look for fuel-efficient vehicles with low greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and cleaner-burning gasoline vehicles are all great options.
• Maintain your vehicle: Ensure your car is well-maintained and runs as efficiently as possible. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, keep your tires properly inflated, and address any check engine lights promptly.
• Drive efficiently: Avoid aggressive acceleration and observe speed limits. Driving at a steady pace and accelerating gradually reduces fuel consumption and emissions.
• Avoid unnecessary idling: Modern vehicles do not need to "warm up" in cold weather. Turn on the engine only when you are ready to drive, and avoid letting it idle for extended periods.
• Plan your trips: Combine multiple errands into one trip, and try to choose routes that avoid heavy traffic to minimise stop-and-go driving.

Use public transport

Using public transport is one of the most effective ways to reduce emissions and pollution from combustion engines.

Public transport is a far more energy-efficient way to travel than private vehicles. Research shows that buses and trains can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to two-thirds per passenger, per kilometre compared to private cars. This is because cars burn fuel and emit harmful gases such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, benzene, formaldehyde and carbon dioxide.

The UN’s latest climate action report states that shifting more trips to public transport is “essential” to curbing climate change. By taking public transport instead of driving, an individual can reduce their annual CO2 emissions by over 48,000 pounds in a year. This equates to a 10% reduction in all greenhouse gases produced by a typical two-adult, two-car household. If just one driver per household switched to taking public transport for a 20-mile round trip daily commute, it would save 4,627 pounds of carbon dioxide per household per year.

Public transport also has a positive impact on congestion. In 2011, US public transportation saved 865 million hours in travel time. Without it, congestion costs in 2011 would have risen by nearly $21 billion.

Public transport also brings important benefits to society. It has been linked to lower traffic fatality rates, more active city residents and broader access to jobs, education and urban services.

However, the public transport sector is not currently where it needs to be to meet climate and development goals. Estimates suggest that global public transport capacity must double by 2030 to limit global warming to 1.5°C. This will require a rapid increase in infrastructure development and improvements to boost ridership.

Frequently asked questions