Driving efficiently
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Effects of vehicle emissions
Vehicles powered by gasoline and diesel release harmful pollutants (CO, NOx, SOx, hydrocarbons, soot).
Hydrocarbons + NOx + sunlight = smog, which leads to respiratory ailments.
SOx + NOx + water vapour = acid rain, harming lakes, forests, and crops.
Excess CO2 causes global warming, raising temperatures and increasing severe storms.
Cars produce almost half of all transportation CO2; carpooling and public transit reduce emissions per passenger.
Before you drive
Plan ahead and combine several errands into one trip.
Avoid rush hours to reduce idling and emissions.
Pay attention to smog alerts and consider alternative modes (walking or cycling).
Use public transit or carpool for longer trips to cut down on emissions.
While driving
Avoid starting a cold engine unnecessarily (it emits a big burst of pollutants).
Turn off your vehicle if parked for more than 10 seconds.
Obey speed limits to save fuel and reduce collision risk.
Use overdrive gear and cruise control on highways for better fuel efficiency.
Remove excess weight (e.g., heavy cargo, roof racks) to maintain aerodynamics.
At high speeds, use air conditioning instead of opening windows to reduce drag.
Don’t 'top off' your fuel tank—spilled fuel releases harmful vapours.
At the garage
Regular maintenance improves fuel efficiency and lowers emissions.
Keep the engine well-tuned (spark plugs, brakes, transmission).
Follow the vehicle owner’s manual maintenance schedule.
Repair fluid leaks to prevent environmental damage and engine issues.
Keep tires properly inflated and have wheel alignment checked to save fuel.
Summary
Passenger vehicles significantly impact air quality and contribute to global warming.
Reducing driving through planning, carpooling, or public transit cuts emissions.
Conserving fuel (e.g., timely maintenance, proper speed) helps both the environment and your wallet.