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Tips For Lowering Your Car Emissions

24 June 2019

Clara Graves

If you are environmentally conscious, then you probably want to make sure the ecological footprint of your car is as low as possible. For most car owners, this means working to control vehicle emissions. While most modern cars are designed to create minimal emissions, there are steps you can take to further lower them. The following guide will help.

Keep up with maintenance

When it comes to emissions, being up to date on your oil changes is key. Old, dirty oil doesn't lubricate the engine as well, which means it has to work harder. This can lead to higher fuel consumption and more emissions. Following the recommended schedule for oil changes for your specific make and model solves this issue. The air filter is also an important piece of the emissions-maintenance partnership. A clogged air filter affects how well combustion occurs in the engine. Poor combustion leads to more byproducts in the form of emissions. An oil change is also a good time to check belts, hoses, and other fluid levels, to ensure the car is running at peak condition.

Stop idling

It can be tempting to leave the car running while waiting for the kids to get our of soccer practice or sitting in a parking lot. The problem is that idling does nothing more than put unnecessary emissions into the atmosphere, while also wasting gas. Running the air conditioner while idling is even worse when it comes to unnecessary emissions and wasting fuel. Instead, roll down the windows and cut off the engine, if you will be waiting for more than a minute or two. Both the environment and your wallet thank you.

Use an additive

Fuel catalyst treatments increase the amount of fuel that is combusted in the engine, leading to less fuel waste, as well as less wasted burn-off in the form of emissions. This also means that you end up using less fuel, overall. Further, fewer emissions means that the filters in your car won't become soiled, as quickly. Most catalysts come in small bottles that are poured into the tank when you fill up. There are also cleaning agents you can pour into the tank, which will remove old residue and help your fuel burn more cleanly. Make sure to read the label instructions for proper usage.

With a bit of mindfulness you can reduce your emissions when you drive. Implement the above tips, to begin reaping the benefits.

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