How can you reduce gas-powered vehicle emissions?

Gas-powered vehicles are a major source of air pollution, contributing to climate change, health problems, and environmental degradation. However, you can take some simple steps to reduce your vehicle's emissions and your environmental impact. Here are some tips to help you drive greener and cleaner.

1 Maintain your vehicle

Regular maintenance can improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency and performance, as well as prevent or fix problems that may cause excessive emissions. Check your owner's manual for the recommended service schedule and follow it. Some of the key components to keep in good condition are the air filter, spark plugs, tires, oil, and fuel system.

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Renata Menezes Rocha

Sustentabilidade Corporativa
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Ações simples como manter os pneus calibrados, conforme as orientações dos fabricantes, contribuem para redução de consumo de combustível e consequentemente para redução de emissões de gases poluentes e de efeito estufa, uma vez que reduzem o atrito dos pneus com as vias.

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Celso Mattos

Vice-presidente na Firjan
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A manutenção regular traz melhoria na eficiência do combustível e no desempenho do seu veículo, ao mesmo tempo em que ajuda a prevenir ou corrigir problemas que podem resultar em emissões excessivas. Alguns dos principais componentes a serem mantidos em boas condições incluem o filtro de ar, velas de ignição, pneus, óleo e sistema de combustível. Ao cuidar desses elementos, você não apenas otimiza o consumo de combustível, mas também contribui para a redução de emissões prejudiciais ao meio ambiente.

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2 Drive smartly

How you drive can also affect your vehicle's emissions and fuel consumption. Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking, as they can increase your gas usage and emissions by up to 40%. Use cruise control on highways to maintain a steady speed and reduce engine load. Plan your trips ahead and combine errands to minimize unnecessary driving and idling. If possible, use public transportation, carpool, bike, or walk for some of your journeys to reduce your vehicle miles traveled.

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Celso Mattos

Vice-presidente na Firjan
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A forma de dirigir impacta as emissões e o consumo de combustível do veículo. Ao manter uma velocidade em alta rotação, acelerações rápidas e frenagens bruscas são modos de dirigir que aumentam o uso do combustível e as emissões, chegando a aumentar até 40%. Adotar uma condução mais suave e moderada não apenas reduzirá o impacto ambiental, mas também prolongará a eficiência do veículo, economizando combustível e demais itens no seu veículo.

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3 Choose cleaner fuels

The type and quality of fuel you use can also influence your vehicle's emissions. Gasoline and diesel contain different amounts of carbon and other pollutants that are released when burned. Generally, gasoline produces less carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter than diesel, but more carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. You can also opt for alternative fuels, such as ethanol, biodiesel, natural gas, or electricity, that have lower emissions and environmental impacts than conventional fuels.

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Celso Mattos

Vice-presidente na Firjan
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O gás natural e o biometano emergem como alternativas economicamente mais acessíveis e de baixa pegada de carbono. Essas opções representam não apenas uma vantagem financeira, mas também contribuem significativamente para a redução das emissões de carbono, alinhando-se assim aos objetivos de sustentabilidade e preservação ambiental. Ao optar por essas fontes, as empresas e consumidores podem não apenas usufruir de benefícios econômicos, mas também desempenhar um papel ativo na promoção de práticas mais sustentáveis e amigáveis ao meio ambiente.

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4 Upgrade your vehicle

If you are in the market for a new vehicle, consider upgrading to a more fuel-efficient and low-emission model. There are various options available, such as hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric, or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, that use less or no gasoline and produce fewer or zero tailpipe emissions. You can also look for vehicles that meet the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for low emission vehicles (LEVs), ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs), or zero emission vehicles (ZEVs).

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5 Use emission control devices

Another way to reduce your vehicle's emissions is to install or use emission control devices that can capture or reduce the pollutants before they exit the tailpipe. Some of these devices are required by law, such as catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, and evaporative emission control systems. Others are optional or aftermarket, such as particulate filters, selective catalytic reduction systems, or onboard diagnostic devices. You should check the compatibility and legality of these devices before using them.

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6 Monitor your emissions

Finally, you should monitor your vehicle's emissions regularly and take corrective actions if needed. You can use an emission test to measure the amount and type of pollutants your vehicle emits and compare it to the legal limits and standards. You can also use an emission calculator to estimate your vehicle's carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. If your vehicle fails an emission test or exceeds the emission standards, you should repair it as soon as possible or replace it with a cleaner one.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you reduce gas-powered vehicle emissions?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Maintain your vehicle

2 Drive smartly

3 Choose cleaner fuels

4 Upgrade your vehicle

5 Use emission control devices

6 Monitor your emissions

7 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Services

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How can you reduce gas-powered vehicle emissions?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Maintain your vehicle

2 Drive smartly

3 Choose cleaner fuels

4 Upgrade your vehicle

5 Use emission control devices

6 Monitor your emissions

7 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Services

Rate this article

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