Different authorities and individuals have expressed warning concerning on the bad effects of automobiles to the environment. Government support plays an integral role in environmental issues, as emissions gain attention on the international political agenda.
Various organizations have also been sounding the alarm about threats to the environment and more support is needed for the programs that address all vehicles on the road. The automotive aftermarket is the key to finding comprehensive solutions to vehicle emissions reductions. Recent vehicles produced nowadays are 37 times cleaner than those produced in 1987, and 12 times cleaner than vehicles from 1993.
Most vehicles on the road are serviced by the automotive aftermarket. An aftermarket product or service is any product or service that a vehicle requires after it is assembled by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). The automotive aftermarket is a $16.1 billion industry that directly employs more than 220,000 Canadians. It is made up of companies that manufacture, distribute and install automotive replacement parts, accessories, tools and equipment.
Controlling chemical pollution is not simply a problem for local authorities. The Kyoto Protocol challenges countries to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. The recent G8 summit in Heiligendamm, Germany was another milestone for political commitment to reducing emissions around the world.
In Canada, 13 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions and 10 percent of smog-causing emissions still come from passenger vehicles. Early results from Car Check Events show a net failure of 79 percent for vehicles inspected which suggest that the majority of Canadian vehicles on the road today require servicing. Of the vehicles inspected, 14 percent had under-inflated tires. In addition to severe safety implications, this is a concern for the environment. Improper inflation can cause 15 percent more gas to burn because the engine has to work harder. Higher fuel consumption means more greenhouse gas and smog emissions. Similarly, wheels that are not properly aligned also rob energy. Properly maintained tires last longer, lessening the volume of scrap tires for disposal. Another significant finding was that 11 percent of the vehicles inspected had dirty air filters. Replacing clogged filters could provide better gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. When an air filter clogs with dirt, dust and bugs, the engine must work harder and the vehicle becomes less fuel efficient.
Car Care Month is scheduled every month of May and Car Care Canada promoted the environmental benefits of vehicle maintenance. Kelly Williams and Jean-Francois Veilleux, race car drivers and BCCA spokespeople, toured the country hosting industry presentations, media interviews and free Consumer Car Check Events.
Car Care Canada, with support from the automotive aftermarket, launched the Canadian Be Car Care Aware (BCCA) consumer education campaign in 2004. It promotes regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair. The campaign’s goal is to build awareness and knowledge and prepare consumers to make sensible decisions about vehicle maintenance. The program focuses on dependability and safety, enhancing and maintaining vehicle value, and protecting the environment. BCCA gives vehicle-owners a chance to speak with technicians about repairs and services in a no-pressure environment, and learn more about maintenance.
The tips and different car instructions can be accessed through www.carcarecanada.ca, Be Car Care Aware’s official website. Vehicle-owners will get information about the various parts of their cars, and gain a better understanding of potential problems. A shop finder tool lists independent repair and service facilities for those participating in the program.
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on Friday, August 31st, 2007 at 7:23 pm and is filed under Aftermarket parts news.
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