The familiar gray haze has descended upon Delhi NCR, triggering GRAP 4 measures and turning the spotlight once again on vehicular emissions. While older vehicles often bear the brunt of the blame, a crucial fact often gets overlooked: even modern vehicles can contribute significantly to pollution if not properly maintained. That's right, your relatively new car could be unknowingly impacting the air we breathe.

But here's the good news: you have the power to make a difference.

In this post, we'll go beyond the usual discussions and delve into practical, actionable steps you can take to ensure your vehicle runs cleaner and greener, contributing to a healthier Delhi NCR. Let's explore how simple maintenance and certain changes in your driving habits can transform your car from a potential polluter into a part of the solution.

Regular Engine Maintenance 

Regular engine maintenance is not just about preventing breakdowns; it's a vital step towards minimizing harmful emissions. Over time, engine components like spark plugs degrade, leading to incomplete combustion and increased pollutants. Similarly, old or degraded engine oil loses its lubricating properties, causing friction and reduced efficiency, which translates to higher fuel consumption and more emissions.

Adhering to your vehicle manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, which includes oil changes, filter replacements, and spark plug checks, ensures your engine operates at peak performance, burning fuel cleaner and releasing fewer pollutants into the atmosphere.

Avoid Unnecessary Driving 

Every journey in a vehicle contributes to the overall emission levels in the environment. Reducing unnecessary trips is a simple yet effective way to lessen your impact. Planning your errands efficiently, combining multiple tasks into a single trip, or opting for alternative transportation like walking, cycling, or public transport for short distances can significantly reduce your vehicle's mileage and subsequently, its emissions. Carpooling with colleagues or friends also minimizes the number of vehicles on the road, collectively decreasing the environmental burden.

Avoid Idling 

Idling might seem harmless, but a running engine, even when stationary, consumes fuel and emits pollutants. Modern vehicles are equipped with fuel-injection systems that eliminate the need for extended warm-up periods. Starting your car and driving gently after a brief pause is sufficient. If you anticipate a stop longer than a minute, like at a railway crossing or traffic light, turning off the engine is a simple way to conserve fuel and reduce unnecessary emissions. Implementing this practice regularly can have a substantial positive impact on air quality.

Inflate Tires Properly 

Proper tire inflation is often overlooked, yet it plays a significant role in fuel efficiency and emission reduction. Underinflated tires have increased rolling resistance, meaning your engine needs to work harder to move the vehicle, leading to higher fuel consumption and more emissions. Regularly checking tire pressure using a reliable gauge and inflating them to the manufacturer's recommended levels (usually found on a sticker inside the driver's door or in the owner's manual) ensures optimal tire performance. This not only reduces emissions but also improves handling, tire longevity, and overall safety.

Use Better Fuel 

While all fuels meet basic standards, opting for higher-quality fuels can offer tangible benefits in terms of engine performance and emission reduction. Premium fuels often contain additives like detergents that help keep engine components clean by preventing the buildup of deposits. A cleaner engine leads to more efficient combustion, reducing the amount of unburnt fuel and harmful emissions released into the atmosphere. Consult your vehicle's manual for recommendations on the appropriate fuel type to ensure compatibility and maximize the benefits.

Avoid Hard Acceleration and Braking 

Aggressive driving habits, such as rapid acceleration and sudden braking, significantly impact fuel efficiency and emissions. Hard acceleration forces the engine to work harder, consuming more fuel and releasing a greater amount of pollutants. Similarly, abrupt braking wastes the kinetic energy generated by the engine, requiring more fuel to regain speed. Adopting a smoother driving style by anticipating traffic flow, accelerating gradually, and braking gently not only improves fuel economy but also reduces wear and tear on your vehicle, contributing to a longer lifespan and reduced maintenance costs.

Choose Fuel-Efficient Cars 

When purchasing a new or used vehicle, considering fuel efficiency is crucial for both environmental and economic reasons. Vehicles with higher mileage ratings consume less fuel per kilometer, resulting in lower emissions. Electric and hybrid vehicles offer a significant advantage in terms of reducing your carbon footprint, as they utilize alternative power sources or combine electric motors with traditional engines to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. Researching fuel efficiency ratings and exploring alternative fuel options can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your environmental goals.

Air Filter Replacement 

The air filter plays a vital role in ensuring clean air enters the engine for efficient combustion. Over time, the air filter accumulates dust, dirt, and debris, restricting airflow. A clogged air filter forces the engine to work harder, leading to increased fuel consumption and higher emissions. Replacing the air filter according to your vehicle manufacturer's recommended schedule or more frequently if driving in dusty environments ensures optimal airflow to the engine. This simple maintenance task not only improves fuel efficiency but also protects the engine from damage caused by contaminants, extending its lifespan.

Read Also: Car Tyre Safety and Maintenance Tips

Adhere to GRAP 4 Guidelines and Odd-Even Regulations 

During periods of severe air pollution when GRAP 4 measures are in effect in Delhi NCR, it is imperative for residents to strictly adhere to government guidelines for vehicle operation. Minimizing non-essential driving and following the odd-even rule, which restricts vehicle usage based on license plate numbers, significantly reduces the number of vehicles on the road, contributing to lower emissions. By collectively complying with these regulations, we can collectively improve air quality and help Delhi NCR breathe easier during critical pollution episodes. This demonstrates civic responsibility and solidarity in combating the pressing issue of air pollution.