National Car Care Month
April is known for showers but also as National Car Care Month, which was started in the 1980s. The goal of Car Care Month is to call attention to the fact that poorly maintained cars result in excessive energy consumption and air pollution. Its aim is to also inform people of the benefits of regular vehicle maintenance and good driving habits, which are cleaner air, safer roads, energy conservation as well as savings for the consumer-you!
There are three major pollutants produced by your vehicle, which are hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide. Hydrocarbons react with nitrogen oxides in sunlight and elevated temperatures and form ground-level ozone. Ground-level ozone can cause eye irritation, coughing, shortness of breath and can lead to permanent lung damage. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and deadly gas. It limits the blood’s ability to transport oxygen to body tissues and can impair mental functions, visual perception and at very high levels, can cause death.
It is important to protect the environment, yourself and others. Statistics show that an overwhelming 90 percent or more of vehicles are in need of some form of maintenance or repair. Keeping your car in proper working order and following some simple driving tips can help keep you safe as well as cut down on energy consumption and pollution. Here are some tips everyone can follow to help with this effort.
• Try to avoid rough roads and potholes. They are hard on your tires and your wheel alignment.
• Combine trips to minimize driving time.
• Make sure your vehicle has regular tune-ups and oil changes and follow your manufacturer’s guidelines in your owner’s manual.
• Accelerate gently and avoid sudden stops.
• Avoid revving your engine.
• Make sure your windshield wipers are in proper working condition.
• Try to avoid idling for long periods of time and keep engine warm-ups short.
• Keep tires properly inflated and check the pressure in all four tires every couple of weeks.
Taking care of your vehicle and practicing good driving habits not only prevents pollution but also extends the life of your vehicle. Following the above tips and making sure your vehicle’s maintenance