8 Recommendations for reducing vehicular emissions during the smog season

One of the gravest problems that the country is facing today is environmental pollution. And the most severe of all is air pollution, which is an outcome of human action. Air pollution due to vehicles increases the risk of confronting repiratory diseases. The harmful emissions can cause lung infection, heart disease, breathing problems, damage to the nervous system, and even premature death.

The growing use of vehicles on the road has increased the problem of pollution manifold. The situation becomes worse during winters resulting in smog. Cities such as Delhi and Mumbai are the worst affected during this season.

But with small efforts, we can control this issue collectively. On this note, here are a few tips that we can follow to reduce vehicular emissions.

1. Do not idle up your vehicle: Unnecessary idling of the vehicles may lead to fuel wastage, engine wear and unwanted emissions. Try keeping your engine switched off until you are ready to drive, which is also applicable when you wait in the traffic.

2. Try to drive less and more efficiently: The lesser you drive, the lesser the emissions. Try to use your two-wheeler or walk down if the destination is near. You can also consider public transport or carpool with your friends or colleagues while going to the office. Also driving efficiently ensures less burden over the engine and decreases the chances of wear and tear, which in turn pollutes the environment less. So be easy on your gas pedals and brakes.

3. Car Maintenance: Get your car checked or serviced as per the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. At times the accumulated debris and dust in different parts of the car can lead to increased vehicular emissions. Regular maintenance and time-to-time replacement of worn-out parts help keep your vehicle in good condition and decrease the harmful impact on the environment.

4. Switch to environment-friendly fuel: A diesel car contributes to more pollution than a petrol car; hence if you are willing to buy a new car, try to buy the environmentally safer one. Also, if you own a diesel car, corrective measures must be taken to maintain the vehicle and avoid unnecessary emissions. You can also choose electric vehicles that are more efficient and easier on the environment.

5. A valid PUC certificate (Pollution under Control): A valid PUC Certificate is mandatory for all vehicles above one year. If your vehicle passes the PUC test, it means the pollution level of your car is low.

6. Replacing with the correct engine type: In case your vehicle has a BD-III or lower engine type, you should consider upgrading your engine to at least BS-IV or above. Since BS-III impacts the environment highly, these engines are not allowed on Indian roads.

7. Fuel and car air filters: Fuel and car filters restrict the debris and dust from entering the engine, which is a primary reason to increase emissions. The filters must be checked regularly and replaced if damaged to minimize pollution.

8. Ensure pure and authentic fuel: Always fill your engines from reputed and authentic fuel or gas stations. Unadulterated fuels help the engine run smoothly and keep pollutants within the permissible limit.

These are some of the ways you help in reducing vehicular emissions. Controlling is a collective effort. It is a task that we should do collectively involving every individual, non-government institutions, government bodies, and various other groups all over the world to educate society about the growing pollution, its effects, and how to reduce it. Timely measures will be beneficial for the environment and ultimately help to sustain the human race.