What Can Be Done To Reduce Emissions?
Quick Warm-Ups
The greatest amount of tailpipe pollutants are released during the "cold start" phase, or the first few minutes it takes a car to warm up. Since a car warms up faster when it is moving, advise your customers to limit warm-up time. Combining trips also decreases motor vehicle emissions since it reduces the number of cold starts.
Maintain Service Levels
Keeping vehicles in good running condition. Poorly maintained or malfunctioning vehicles can release as much as 10 times the emissions of a well-maintained one. Advise your customers follow the manufacturers instructions on routine maintenance, such as oil and filter changes. Suggest an energy saving grade of motor oil (labeled ECII or Energy Conserving II).
Emission Reducing Tips
  • Don't tamper with the pollution controls and have the vehicle inspected regularly.
  • Keep track of fuel economy. A loss in economy usually means an increase in emissions. Poorly inflated tires can also cause a loss in fuel economy.
  • Inspect the exhaust tail pipe. If it is black, too much gas is in the air/fuel mixture and the carburetor or fuel injection system needs to be checked. If the exhaust is blue, the car is burning oil due to engine wear or failed seals and is releasing excess hydrocarbons into the atmosphere.
  • Pay attention to dashboard warning lights. Have the car checked out as soon as possible.
  • Do not top off the tank when refueling. Make sure the gas cap fits properly to avoid spills.
  • The engine and emissions system should be checked promptly if there is a change in the way the vehicle functions such as, fuel efficiency drops, the warning light goes on, or the vehicle fails an emissions test.
  • The fuel injection system should be inspected periodically. Fouled fuel injectors reduce fuel efficiency, make the vehicle more difficult to start and drive, and significantly increase pollutant emissions.
  • The air filter should be inspect by taking it out and visually inspect it or tap it against a hard surface. If dirt falls out, replace the filter.
  • Keep the vehicle tuned up. The gas mileage of most cars could be improved by as much as 6 percent with a minor tune-up.
Regular Service & Repair
Vehicles with properly maintained engines and emission control systems pollute less and are more fuel efficient. Well-maintained vehicles perform better, last longer, have higher resale values, and save you money. Although regular vehicle maintenance remains very important, high emissions from newer vehicles usually result from a system malfunction that must be diagnosed and corrected by a trained technician.