Emissions are a real talking point in the automotive industry. New cars are built as “cleanly” as possible, with tailpipe emissions being one of the most important things manufacturers need to focus on when developing a new model.
But what if you’re not in the market for a new car and prefer to clean your existing car’s engine? Here are a few tips and tricks to get you started …
1. Have your car serviced
One of the most basic things you can do to clean your car is to keep it serviced. Fresh oil can keep your car running at its best and make sure it is as clean as possible before moving on to other efficiency methods. Plus, the mechanics give your car one more time general in other areas on servicing so you can figure out if there are other issues that need to be fixed before they get worse.
2. Check your tire pressure
A car’s tire pressure is critical to improving rolling resistance, which in turn reduces engine stress and emissions – it will also lower your fuel consumption. Plus, it’s really easy to do. Most cars list the correct tire pressures either on a board in the door lock or on the inside of the fuel filler flap. Once you have them, you can precisely inflate your tires using either an air compressor at a gas station or a home version that plugs into your car’s 12-volt outlet.
3. Try a fuel additive
If your engine feels a little lackluster, an additive can make a difference. While they’re only really effective on older cars, these can help remove some debris from the engine and help it run more efficiently. Available for both gasoline and diesel vehicles, additives are available from most motor companies and some gas stations.
4. Try a high octane fuel
Higher octane fuels or premium fuels can help add extra momentum to an engine by helping the engine run more efficiently and “burn” fuel better. While they’re primarily geared towards high-performance vehicles, premium fuels can make a difference to regular gasoline and diesel vehicles as well.
While you could use premium fuel every time you refuel, they make a good maintenance-friendly process. It is best to fill up with premium fuel before a long journey so that the petrol or diesel can work better through the engine and remove deposits.
5. Just step on the gas
It may sound simple and it really is, but changing your driving style can have a real impact on the efficiency of your car. Try to be more progressive in accelerating and also predicting inclines and declines. For example, if you see a hill ahead, gradually accelerate and then take off when you reach the top. If your car is not equipped with a start-stop system, you should switch off the engine even if you are not going to use it for a long time.
