A major contributor to air pollution globally is exhaust emissions from vehicles. A rough estimate comes at 1.47 billion for the number of vehicles being used presently throughout the world. It is only obvious that such a huge number of vehicles would have negative impacts on the environment. Besides air pollution, they also play a huge role in increasing the global greenhouse gas emission. Particularly, older diesel vehicles produce even more harmful emissions. This is a major reason why owners of old diesel vehicles are being prohibited from entering low emission zones. Then comes the aspect of vehicle maintenance. It has been observed that vehicles with improper maintenance and servicing produce increased emissions. Hence, timely car service Preston is necessary to be kind towards our environment. This guide offers you a detailed insight into car emissions, what they consist of, its harmful effects, and global regulations to test and reduce them.
Understanding vehicle exhaust emissions.
A vehicle with a running engine emits a harmful mixture of gases and particles. These emissions are harmful because they reduce the air quality and harm the environment. These effects are felt even more in populated cities that are congested with excessive vehicles.
These exhaust fumes when combined with other particulates are a major cause of global warming. As a recent survey from the UK’s Transport and Environment Statistics claims, domestic transport contributes around 28% to total emissions. But, what are the components in an exhaust emission? Read along to find out.
Common pollutants found in exhaust emissions.
The exhaust emissions from your vehicle typically consist of a mixture of harmful gases. They all have harmful effects on the human body and our environment. These gases are more dangerously toxic when your exhaust system is malfunctioning. The following are some harmful gases and particles found in exhaust emissions:
Carbon dioxide: Carbon dioxide or CO2 is a common greenhouse gas. It is a major contributor to the deteriorating climate changes. In essence the CO2 is a non toxic gas but their excessive volumes are detrimental to the environment and the ocean.
Carbon monoxide: A highly toxic gas for humans, carbon monoxide is invisible to human eyes. It is usually produced due to incomplete combustion of fuel. The modern vehicle models have effective combustion mechanisms so they produce lesser amounts. However, older vehicles with outdated processes are known for producing larger amounts of CO.
Nitrogen oxides: These gases are caused during all combustion processes. They are extremely reactive and combine actively with any chemical found in air. These combinations are a major contributor of smog and other harmful pollutants.
Sulphur dioxide: SO2 or sulphur dioxide is also a colourless gas. These are found in crude oils that are refined to produce petrol and diesel. On burning, these gases form acids that harm your vehicle’s engine and cause smog.
Hydrocarbons: Exhaust releases hydrocarbons after incomplete combustion. These are released as unburnt fuel and might evaporate while you fill up petrol or diesel in your vehicle.
Benzene: Similar to hydrocarbons, benzene is found in petrol and diesel. They are also produced as unburnt fuel. Benzene is highly toxic to humans because of their carcinogenic properties.
Particulates: Particulate matter is usually emitted from diesel engines. These are floating particles such as metal and black soot. In modern vehicle models, you will find DPFs fitted. These are diesel particulate filters that reduce the amount of particulates a vehicle releases into the environment.
Regulations to control exhaust emissions.
The recent advances in the automobile industry have come forward with methods to regulate exhaust emissions. Improvements in the engine and exhaust systems, standardising particulate filters and catalytic converters, and introducing clean air zones: these are some methods used globally to prevent exhaust emissions.
The UK too has regulated manufacturing designs and policies of the auto industry to control pollution. Starting with the European emission standards which the UK has made compulsory to follow for all car manufacturers. These standards set the limits of harmful emissions from vehicle exhausts. Although petrol and diesel vehicles have different standards, they are all strictly mandatory.
The series of standards started with Euro 1. It was an introduction to unleaded petrols and catalytic converters for all cars. The UK currently follows Euro 6 regulations. Depending on your vehicle, the following are some effects the Euro 6 regulations will have on car owners:
It determines the amount of road tax you have to pay. If your car has been registered on or after 1st March 2001, the tax will depend on fuel type and CO2 emissions. On the other hand, diesel cars complying with Euro 6 regulations pay less tax than others. It could be a difference of up to £535!
It affects the places you can drive to in the UK. The Clean Air Zones and Low Emission Zones in the UK charge £12.50 per day for sub-Euro 6 diesel and sub-Euro 4 petrol cars.
These regulations also affect the places you can drive in European cities. This means there are set rules for sub-standard cars to visit clean air zones.
In the UK the emission standards might change to Euro 7. If you are worried about your vehicle and the effect it might have on your rides, get routine exhaust repair Preston. This ensures your exhaust system is working effectively and your vehicle is safe to drive on the roads.