3 Things Everyone in Automotive School Should Know About Car Emissions

As any driver or auto industry professional knows, cars can produce harmful emissions that contribute to air pollution. These can contribute to global warming and even impact public health. However, there are a number of ways to improve and monitor car emissions. 

In the last few years, we’ve seen various emission regulations introduced. As an auto mechanic or service technician, you may need to perform emissions testing or tune-ups to ensure that cars meet emission regulations. Read on to find out three things you should know about car emissions. 

Different Car Emissions and Their Effects 

There are three main types of car emissions. These include:

• Evaporative emissions 
• Refueling losses 
• Exhaust emissions 

Exhaust emissions are among the most harmful, and these are usually the ones that are referred to by emission regulations. These are released while the car is generating power and moving, as the fuel is burnt off. There are three types of exhaust pollutants:

• Carbon dioxide 
• Nitrogen oxide  
• Carbon monoxide 

Carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide both increase the rate of global warming and damage the ozone layer over time. Carbon monoxide can be very harmful to humans and animals when they breathe it in, as it takes oxygen out of the blood. 

Poorly Maintained Cars Create More Emissions 

During auto mechanic training, you may learn that poorly maintained cars are more likely to release a greater quantity of harmful emissions. For example, small fixes like replacing the air filter, changing the oil, or replacing the battery can help the engine to run more efficiently and therefore cause less damage to the environment. This means that it’s important for drivers to have their cars serviced regularly. 

When you become a mechanic, you can advise customers on the importance of getting their car serviced, and explain how this could save them money in the long-term by ensuring their car runs efficiently and falls within emission regulations. 

Automotive School Graduates Can Use Tune-ups and Emissions Testing to Reduce Car Emissions 

Training at automotive school combines classroom learning with hands-on training. As part of your course, you may gain experience in tune-ups and emissions testing. 

Getting a tune-up regularly is one of the ways that drivers can reduce harmful car emissions. Regular tune-ups will ensure that a vehicle burns fuel as efficiently as possible. 

As a mechanic, you should check for the below common problems that can affect emissions:

• Do the spark plugs need to be replaced?
• Does the ignition timing need to be adjusted?
• Is the catalytic converter working correctly?
• Does the air filter need to be cleaned or replaced?
• Is the PCV system clogged?

As well as this, emissions testing is a good way to monitor and reduce harmful car emissions. A mechanic will be able to check the levels of hazardous pollutants that are released by a vehicle – and make adjustments if the levels are too high. These tests are mandatory in some urban areas. 

Experienced and qualified mechanics can play an important role in reducing the amount of harmful pollutants released into the environment by performing regular checks and tune-ups on cars, and teaching drivers about the potential effects of car emissions. 

Are you interested in auto mechanic school?

Contact ATC Cambridge to learn more!