Ways How Old Cars Pollute The Earth’s Environment

There’s no denying that motor vehicles have been in use for more than a hundred years now and most households in today’s day & age, have at least one car under their repertoire. So, when you include the current world’s population, you can immediately see how that’s an awful number of cars on the roads. 

Hence, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to know that cars tend to be one of the major pollutants. They have a major negative effect on the earth by producing carbon emissions and are leading the cause of climate change across the globe. Therefore, we must take a look at how vehicles, especially older ones, pollute the earth’s environment. We’ll also be suggesting some measures to control such pollution.

The Way How Cars (Especially Old Ones) Pollute The Environment

1. Utilisation Of Fossil Fuels

According to a well-known service provider offering cash for cars in Wellington, petroleum is utilized to produce diesel and petrol. Petroleum is extracted from the depths of oceans, and has been stored for millions of years. Fossil fuels are not only non-renewable but they’re also depleting over time – meaning that sooner or later, all fossil fuels will run out one day. 

Hence, the only way to avoid such a scenario is to create electric & hybrid vehicles, which will need less amount of fossil fuel to run. 

2. Carbon Emissions

Since a traditional vehicle will need fuel to run and as the supplies of petroleum become scarce, then the crude oil that’s being extracted will be dirtier than what was extracted beforehand. As a result, the dirty crude oil goes into the fuel tanks of vehicles and then gets emitted into the earth’s atmosphere via vehicle exhaust pipes. 

The primary component of carbon emissions is carbon dioxide – which is a greenhouse gas and is responsible for global warming & climate change. The exhaust fumes also contain sulphur and nitrogen oxides, soot, and carcinogens. Sulphur and nitrogen oxides lead to acid rain and smog – both of which are serious risks to the health of flora & fauna. 

One of the major procedures to reduce carbon emissions is to manufacture more fuel-efficient cars.

3. Cars (Especially Old Ones) Contain Hazardous Fluids

Cars also contain various kinds of toxic fluids that tend to pollute the environment when disposed of without following any safety protocols. Some harmful substances are mentioned as follows:

• Refrigerants
• Antifreeze
• Motor oil
• Brake fluid
• Battery acid

4. Cars Create Material Waste

Every year, thousands of vehicles reach the end of their lives producing mountains of waste. They’re either abandoned or left inside garages/driveways to weather away. That’s why the process of car scrapping is so important because the process involves the recycling & reuse of glass, metal, tires, plastic, and motor parts in an organized manner so that you can cut down on the overall material wastage. 

That’s why, if your vehicle has become old and nearing its end of life, the best solution would be to sell your car for scrap. You’ll not only be helping the environment but also will be getting rid of your old car responsibly. 

Measures To Reduce The Extent Of Pollution Creation

1. Try To Drive Less

• Use your cycle or walk when you can instead of using your car.
• Utilize vehicle-share programs if your area supports the same. 
• Try to take public transport as much as possible. 
• Instead of driving alone, try to carpool with your friends when going out together.
• Always plan your trip so that you can get your tasks done in one go.
• Proceed to work from home, if your employer supports the same. 

2. Try To Drive Wise

The methods we utilize to drive our vehicles also matter because those methods can either help in reducing or increasing carbon emissions. 

• Always drive efficiently on the roads by going easy on the brakes and gas pedal.
• Always maintain your vehicle over time with regular check-ups and maintenance schedules. 

3. Try To Opt For Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

When you’re planning to purchase a new vehicle, you can look for fuel-efficient vehicles that produce low greenhouse gas emissions. Such vehicles can help in preserving the environment while also saving fuel costs over time. You can opt for either of the following vehicle options in today’s market:

• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
• Electric vehicles.
• Vehicles running on hydrogen fuel cells.
• Vehicles running on cleaner gasoline fuel.

4. Try Not To Idle Your Vehicles

If you idle your vehicle unnecessarily, then such a process will lead to wastage of fuel, which in turn will pollute the environment. Moreover, idling can also cause excess wear & tear in vehicle engines. Most modern vehicles don’t need to warm up, even during the winter season.

And with that last suggestion, it’s time to conclude our guide. For more info, get in touch with us right away. We’d be happy to assist you at all times.