Posted on July 14, 2022.

Here, we explain the importance of emissions testing and how it affects the environment.

There are ongoing concerns surrounding vehicle emissions in the motor industry. This is largely due to the negative environmental impact caused by harmful levels of carbon monoxide and other dangerous pollutants. These toxins are emitted into the atmosphere by petrol and diesel engines each year. Emissions analysing is a major factor in reducing car pollution and drivers rely on garages and MOT centres to be equipped with emissions testing equipment.

Consequences of Vehicle Emissions

Global warming - There are many causes for global warming, but one of the contributing factors is car pollution. Greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere, trapping heat and causing global temperatures to rise. Melting ice-caps, rising oceans, severe flooding and droughts are just some of the consequences of global warming.

Damage to the ozone layer – The ozone layer provides protection from ultraviolet radiation from the sun. UV rays are damaging to humans, animals and plants. Reducing harmful vehicle emissions is the key to reducing damage to the ozone layer.

Environmental damage - Pollutants from vehicle emissions create acid rain. Acid rain is damaging to forests, crops and other forms of vegetation. It also contaminates our water supplies from lakes and rivers which have a harmful effect on both animals and humans.

Health – High levels of particulate matter emitted from diesel engines are a major cause of respiratory problems and other allergies. On top of this, one of the more harmful pollutants to humans is carbon monoxide which gets into the blood stream when inhaled, causing a lack of oxygen to internal organs.

Motor vehicle manufacturers have addressed the levels of emissions emitted into the environment by producing more fuel-efficient vehicles fitted with emissions control units. Catalytic converters are fitted to reduce the levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons released by petrol vehicles. Diesel engines are equipped with diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs) which oxidise carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, making them safer for the environment.

What Happens When The Car Leaves The Factory

Over time, wear and tear to vehicles causes them to become less fuel efficient and catalysts can fail. It then becomes the responsibility of garages, MOT centres and service stations to ensure that vehicles remain within the legal emissions limits. The Driver and Vehicle Standard Agency have published ‘service exhaust emissions standards for road vehicles’ to document the emissions limits for vehicles fitted with emissions control units.

Stringent pollution control standards are in place to ensure that vehicles remain within air safety limits. Emissions testing is an essential part of this and garages and test centres should be equipped with emissions testing equipment.

Crypton are experts in equipping garages with innovative emissions analysing equipment. We supply a gas analyser for petrol engines, smoke metre for diesel engines and a combined smoke and gas emissions analyser suitable for both diesel and petrol engines. Each come with a 3-year warranty and comply with the latest DVSA regulations.

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