Do you know what your car's emissions are doing to you?

 We don’t often think of air pollution while driving, but it affects more than we know. Here are some tips to help you drive better while helping your health and the environment. 

The obvious that’s affected is the ozone. All the gases coming from our vehicles (and other factories, etc.) have been breaking down the ozone layer little by little. That brings more sunburn, skin cancer, cataracts and problems among wildlife. Luckily, companies and countries all around the world have been on board with chemicals that aren’t as harmful. Now the ozone hole seems to be closing up, as long as we keep using the less harmful chemicals or find even better replacements.

Next, is the threat of global warming and climate change, which comes mainly from carbon dioxide. That offers a whole mess of problems that, I’m sure, we have all heard about and know the effects.

 

Then there is the harm it is causing people; the affects can be as little as a cough to as large as cancer. The pollutants from the cars can bother healthy people, but will especially affect small children, the elderly and people with respiratory problems or diseases. Not to mention, the pollutants can seep into the water and soil, which we can then ingest. 

But there are a few things the car companies are doing to help fix the emissions and air pollution:

Hybrid vehicles: These vehicles use both electric and a regular gas (or diesel) engine while running. They have also started doing automated start and shutoff while stopped to save even more gas/emissions.

Cleaner fuel: This was designed to rid or cut down on the use of diesel and petrol through the use of electric or other gases (compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum and gashol for example). This lessens the use of fossil fuels and in the end emits less emissions and pollution.

Fuel efficient vehicles: Cars use less gas and oil to go more miles per gallon, which means you spend less money for gas and don’t have to fill up as often. They’re popular right now because they save the driver time and money at the pump, they are fairly cheaper to buy, plus it’s better for the environment.

Electric vehicles: They run solely on electric, usually through a battery or generator. They take away exhaust emissions completely, but you do have to remember to charge them.

Drivers can also do something to lower emissions and save money on gas:

• Carpool and car sharing
  
• Driving the speed limit and no faster: This can cut down on unnecessary fuel usage
  
• Stopping, starting and idling less: This will cut down on carbon dioxide production and probably save you time and sanity in traffic
  
• Walking, taking public transportation or biking
  
• Don't rev the engine: It wastes fuel and can hurt your car
  
• Keep your tires properly inflated
  
• Don’t accelerate quickly or slam on the breaks: It can hurt your gas mileage too
  
• Keep a clean car: Excess weight can slow your car down and burn more fuel
  
  
  
  
   The government (EPA) also stepped in to lower the vehicle emission standards and have enforced emissions testing by the DMV.