How to Reduce Your Car's Emissions

Transport accounts for nearly a quarter of global CO₂ emissions related to energy, according to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA). Within this sector, light vehicles (cars and vans) are responsible for approximately 45% of these emissions. Reducing them is a commitment that all drivers must have with the environment, something that Midas supports by offering practical recommendations for drivers to reduce their vehicles' pollutant emissions. Through proper maintenance and responsible driving habits, drivers have multiple ways to contribute to the planet's care, minimizing the environmental impact of motorized transport, one of the main sources of greenhouse gases.

For example, performing regular maintenance on the engine and vehicle systems: Check the exhaust system, change the air and oil filters when necessary, and ensure a correct engine adjustment can significantly improve fuel efficiency. Not only will we ensure our vehicle's safety and extend its lifespan, but we will also help reduce CO2 emissions.

Check the tire pressure and the general condition of the wheels: Incorrect tire pressure increases rolling resistance and, consequently, fuel consumption. According to the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT), it can increase fuel consumption by up to 10%. Additionally, inadequate pressure can cause uneven tire wear, reduce their lifespan, and compromise vehicle safety. Therefore, it is essential to check tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips, ensuring the measurement is taken with cold tires to avoid readings altered by heat, and always follow the manufacturer's specifications, available in the vehicle manual or on the driver's door frame label.

Plan your journeys and avoid traffic: Organizing routes and avoiding high-traffic areas not only reduces driving time but also decreases fuel consumption and minimizes pollutant emissions. To optimize trips, real-time navigation apps can be used to alert about traffic jams, roadworks, or accidents, allowing for more efficient alternative routes. Additionally, planning ahead helps avoid peak hours, contributing to smoother and less stressful driving.

Turn off the engine during long stops: When the vehicle is stopped at traffic lights or in traffic jams, keeping the engine idling generates unnecessary emissions of pollutants such as CO2, nitrogen oxides, and particulates. According to the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU), turning off the engine during stops longer than a minute can reduce consumption and emissions by up to 10%. To facilitate this practice, many modern cars are equipped with automatic start-stop systems that efficiently turn the engine off and on. However, if your vehicle does not have this technology, manually turning off the engine is a simple and effective way to contribute to more sustainable driving.

Recycle and dispose of vehicle materials responsibly: Used oils, batteries, tires, and other polluting materials must be managed in specialized centers that ensure their recycling or proper treatment, thus avoiding soil, water, and air contamination. These wastes contain toxic substances that can cause severe environmental and health damage if improperly disposed of. For example, one liter of used oil can contaminate up to a million liters of water. Therefore, opting for maintenance and repair services that properly treat these wastes will help protect the planet.