Eradicate Car Air Pollutants: Breathe Easy On The Road

Cars are a major contributor to air pollution. The burning of fuel in a car engine produces by-products, such as exhaust fumes, that release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. These pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and carbon dioxide, pose significant risks to human health and the environment. With Americans spending a lot of time in their cars, it is important to understand how to reduce and eliminate these air pollutants. While it is challenging to quantify the exact percentage of air pollution stemming from cars, it is clear that vehicles significantly impact air quality. This article will explore effective strategies to minimise and eradicate air pollutants in cars, enhancing the well-being of both drivers and the planet.

How to get rid of all air pollutants in a car

Clean the air vents and filters

Dirty air vents and filters can circulate dust, pollen, and other particles inside your car, leading to unpleasant odours and potentially affecting your health. Cleaning the air vents and filters will ensure that the air you breathe inside your car is of higher quality.

It is recommended to clean your air vents and filters at least once a year. However, you may need to clean them more frequently, depending on factors such as the humidity and dust levels in your location. Additionally, if you notice musty odours or if your allergies are frequently triggered when you're in your vehicle, it's a sign that your air vents and filters need to be cleaned.

Steps to clean the air vents:

• Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to deeply clean the vents and remove dust particles and small debris lodged inside the vent slats.
• Apply a foam cleaner designed for car vent cleaning. Spray it onto the vents and let it sit for a few minutes to break down any sticky dirt or residue.
• Use a small, soft-bristled brush, such as a foam paintbrush, to scrub inside the vents and dislodge stubborn dirt. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
• Wipe down the vents with a damp cloth to remove any remaining cleaner and loosened dirt. Ensure the vents are dry to avoid moisture-related issues.
• Use compressed air to blow out any deeply embedded dust or debris that may be stuck in the vents.
• Disinfect the vents to ensure they are free from bacteria and mould. Spray a disinfectant cleaner or a homemade solution of vinegar and warm water inside the vents.
• If you notice a persistent mouldy smell, consult a mechanic or dealership about replacing your evaporator core.

Steps to clean or replace the cabin air filter:

• Locate the cabin air filter by checking your car's user manual. Typically, you can access the filter by lowering the glove compartment and removing a few screws to reach the filter cover.
• Check the cabin air filter every few months and replace it as needed or according to your car manufacturer's recommendations. Most cabin air filters should be replaced every 24,000 km.
• When replacing the filter, simply slide out the old filter and insert a new one.

Avoid busy roads and congested times

Avoiding busy roads and congested times is a great strategy to reduce your exposure to air pollutants while driving. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

Plan Your Route in Advance

Use GPS and traffic apps to your advantage to find the quickest and least crowded routes. Many navigation apps offer real-time traffic updates and can suggest alternative routes to help you avoid heavy traffic. Knowing your route beforehand can also reduce stress and help you stay focused on the road.

Familiarize Yourself with Traffic Patterns

Understand the common traffic patterns and peak congestion times in your area. Certain roads are notoriously busy during rush hour, while alternative routes may offer smoother traffic flow. Keep in mind that local events, construction projects, and other factors can also impact traffic. By being aware of these factors, you can plan your trips to avoid congested roads.

Adjust Your Travel Time

If possible, consider adjusting your travel time to avoid congested periods. This may involve leaving earlier or later than usual to miss rush hour traffic. You can also choose to travel during off-peak hours or on less busy days if your schedule allows for it.

Be Mindful of Weather Conditions

Heavy traffic can be even more challenging during adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, or fog, which can reduce visibility and make roads slippery. Check the weather forecast before your trip and consider delaying your journey if extreme weather is expected. Ensure your vehicle is equipped with appropriate tires and functioning lights to navigate safely during poor weather.

Maintain a Safe Distance

When driving in congested areas, it's important to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. This will give you enough space to stop safely if needed. Adjust your distance based on speed and road conditions, and use the "three-second rule" to ensure proper spacing.

Stay Calm and Patient

Driving in heavy traffic can be frustrating, but it's crucial to remain calm and patient. Stress and anger can impair your judgment and reaction time, making it more likely that you'll make mistakes. Practice mindfulness and deep breathing exercises, listen to calming music or podcasts, and remember that getting upset won't get you to your destination any faster.

By following these tips, you can effectively reduce your exposure to air pollutants by avoiding busy roads and congested times while driving.

Keep windows closed in heavy traffic

Keeping the windows closed in heavy traffic is a simple yet effective way to reduce your exposure to harmful air pollutants while driving.

A study published in the Science of the Total Environment journal found that drivers who kept their windows down during peak traffic hours experienced up to 80% more air pollution than those who kept their windows closed. The difference in pollution exposure between the two groups was even more pronounced during off-peak hours, with the windows-open group experiencing 91% more pollution than those with closed windows.

The study also revealed that commuters who turned on the recirculation system were exposed to around 80% less harmful particles than those with open windows. However, it is worth noting that the windows-open setting still exposed car passengers to hotspots of air pollution for up to a third of their total travel time.

Therefore, keeping the windows closed during heavy traffic can significantly reduce your inhalation of pollutants such as particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide, which are all present in gasoline and diesel exhaust fumes. This is especially important for individuals with respiratory problems or heart disease, as exposure to traffic emissions on busy roadways is a known health hazard.

Additionally, if you live near a high-traffic area, it is recommended to use an air purifier in your home to reduce your exposure to car exhaust emissions, which can travel more than a mile from the road.

Avoid smoking or vaping in the car

Smoking in a car, even with the windows down, can produce dangerous levels of particle air pollution. The small air volume in a car means that smoking inside can rapidly generate high concentrations of second-hand smoke. In fact, studies have found that smoking just one cigarette in a car with the windows closed can generate more than 100 times the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) 24-hour recommended exposure limit to fine respirable particles. These particles irritate the respiratory system and contain carcinogenic chemicals that can seep from the lungs into the bloodstream.

Additionally, smoking in a car with the windows closed can produce a significant increase in carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can be harmful to children even in small quantities. Exposure to second-hand smoke puts children at risk of serious health issues, including sudden infant death, middle ear disease, and asthma. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are more than 7,000 chemicals in tobacco and cigarette smoke, with hundreds of toxic ones and 70 known to cause cancer.

Therefore, it is important to avoid smoking or vaping in the car. If you wish to reduce the sources of pollution in your vehicle, you can take several measures, such as choosing less crowded routes and travelling during less congested times. Keeping the windows closed and recirculating cabin air when stuck in traffic can also help, and you can open the windows to let in fresh air when the traffic is lighter.

If you are a smoker, you can also take steps to reduce the health risks for your passengers by not smoking in the car, even with the windows down. Instead, opt to smoke outside of the vehicle, and if you wish to further reduce the risk of exposure to second-hand smoke, thoroughly wash all fabrics with hot water and detergent, and consider replacing venting filters.

Regularly clean the car's interior

Regularly cleaning the interior of your car is essential for maintaining a healthy and comfortable environment. The air inside your car can contain pollutants from various sources, including outdoor air, the vehicle itself, and the occupants. Here are some detailed steps to regularly clean your car's interior and improve the air quality:

Wipe down surfaces

Use a damp cloth to wipe down hard surfaces, including door panels, consoles, dashboards, and other interior trim. This will help remove dust, dirt, and any residue from cleaning agents or air fresheners. Avoid using chemical sprays or air fresheners as they can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and contribute to indoor air pollution.

Vacuum upholstery and carpets

Regularly vacuum the seats, floor mats, and any other carpeted areas in your car. This will help remove dust, dirt, and debris that may have accumulated. Deep-seated dirt and stains may require professional steam cleaning services, which can effectively remove pollutants and disinfect surfaces without the need for toxic disinfectant sprays.

Clean the air vents and ventilation system

The ventilation system in your car plays a crucial role in delivering cleaner air and maintaining air circulation. It is important to regularly clean the air vents to prevent the accumulation of dust, dirt, mold, pollen, and other pollutants, which can deteriorate air quality and trigger allergies or respiratory issues. Use a brush and a cleaning agent, or a ready-made disinfectant spray, to clean the vent louvers thoroughly. Microfiber towels can be used to dry the vents afterward. Additionally, consider using a blower to clean the air conditioning vents at least once every two weeks.

Replace the cabin air filter

Most modern vehicles are equipped with a cabin air filter that protects the occupants from harmful pollutants. Over time, these filters can become clogged and less effective, so it is important to replace them regularly. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for the recommended replacement interval, which is typically every 15,000 miles or so.

Control clutter and avoid smoking

Keep your car organized and free of clutter. Food waste, papers, and other items can gather dust and harbor mold, bacteria, and pests. Additionally, refrain from smoking or vaping in the car, as secondhand smoke contains hundreds of toxic chemicals that can adversely affect the air quality and the health of occupants.

Frequently asked questions