What can you do to improve motor vehicle emissions?

Individuals can do many things to improve motor vehicle emissions.

Maintain your vehicle

Keeping your vehicle regularly tuned and maintained can reduce emissions by up to 25 per cent, while simultaneously providing better fuel and oil consumption and preserving the life of your vehicle. Even something as simple as keeping your tyres inflated to the upper limit of the manufacturers specification will have a positive effect on fuel consumption and emissions.

Be aware of your driving habits

Plan your trips – can you combine activities/tasks into fewer trips?

Also consider whether you really need to drive at all – could you walk, ride or take public transport instead? Remember, not only will it save having to find a park but you'll also get some invaluable exercise.

If you do drive, try and drive more smoothly. Smooth driving techniques have been proven to save on fuel as well as general wear and tear on your vehicle. You'll arrive just as quickly and be less stressed as well.

For an illustration of how maintenance and driving habits affect your particular vehicle's emissions and running costs, refer to the EPA/RACV Car EcoMeter.

Report smoky vehicles

Smoky vehicles contribute disproportionally to the total quantity of pollutants emanating from motor vehicles, and accordingly EPA operates a program that allows the community to report offenders. Following receipt of a report, EPA will advise the owner to check their vehicle and if necessary make repairs to their vehicle.

If you see a car or truck blowing smoke continuously for more than 10 seconds, call EPA Victoria on (03) 9695 2755 or 1800 444 051, or alternatively, via the online reporting facility on this website.

Contact traffic management organisations

Should you have concerns about air quality in your local area as a result of traffic, EPA recommends that you contact the following entities involved in the development of a traffic management solution:

• VicRoads
• your local government transport officer.

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