How to keep your car environmentally friendly and efficient: simple tips for British drivers

A car, like all complex mechanisms, requires attention and regular maintenance. If it is done in time, the car will not only work properly but will harm the environment much less. I think it is no secret that any malfunctions in the engine, fuel ,and exhaust systems lead to an increase in harmful emissions. Dirty fuel injectors, old spark plugs, and ‘dying’ catalytic converters, lead to an increase in the emitted amount of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, as well as nitrogen oxides and soot. If the air filter is clogged, or you’re driving on old oil, it’s likely the car will use more fuel, leading to higher emissions. And for that matter, driving with old oil can cause premature wear on engine parts.

Regular maintenance is key to the longevity of your car

So, as we said, regular maintenance helps you avoid a lot of car-related problems. So, what are the recommended things to check and change regularly? Experts say that to avoid engine contamination and prevent it from overheating – you should change the oil and oil filter on time. For the fuel-air mixture to have the right proportions it is necessary to clean (or replace) the air filter in time. In addition, as we have already mentioned, to avoid excessive fuel consumption, spark plugs should be replaced in time. And, of course, to increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel consumption, tire pressure should be monitored.

According to the statistics of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders of Great Britain, the total number of cars on the roads of the country reached a record 41.4 million, and their average age reached 9 years. Given these statistics, we conclude that the car industry is getting bigger but getting older. That is why the issue of regular maintenance is becoming more and more acute.

Why does the exhaust system require attention?

Another important aspect that requires attention is the exhaust system. Its task is to remove exhaust gases and neutralise them. So, if it malfunctions, a lot of harmful gases are released into the environment. For example, if your muffler burns out, engine performance will deteriorate and harmful emissions will increase. If the oxygen sensors fail, the oxygen level in the exhaust gases will no longer have anything to monitor. This will lead to the same increase in fuel consumption.

Special attention to the catalytic converter

So, first of all, it is worth mentioning why it is needed. The task of the catalytic converter is to neutralise harmful emissions. It is quite a wear-resistant part, but over time it can still get clogged and stop performing its function. How to understand that the catalytic converter is failing? You will notice reduced engine power, increased fuel consumption, an unpleasant smell of sulphur in the exhaust, a warning indicator on the dashboard (we are talking about ‘Check Engine’) and strange rattling sounds while driving. In order to keep the catalytic converter in good working order for as long as possible it is necessary to use only quality fuel, regularly check the condition of oxygen sensors, repair engine malfunctions in time and prevent its overheating, as well as regularly undergo preventive inspections.

Let’s take a look at tips for preserving the catalytic converter with a concrete example. In the UK, one of the popular city cars is the Peugeot 208. Its owners note that to preserve the environmental friendliness and performance of this car, it is important to regularly check the exhaust system. It is especially worth paying attention to the Peugeot 208 catalytic converter condition because it plays a key role in reducing emissions and optimising engine performance. In addition to standard advice, the owners of this car also advise to avoid aggressive driving. It is about sharp acceleration and overheating of the engine. Such driving often leads to overloading the catalytic converter.

By following these tips, British motorists can extend the life of the catalytic converter, reduce fuel consumption, and reduce emissions. In addition, the most important thing for cars over three years old is not to ignore timely maintenance.

Eco-Friendly Driving: Techniques to Save Fuel and Reduce Emissions