While it's true that Perth's air is relatively clean at present, air pollution levels are only just below threshold levels and constant vigilance is required to prevent them becoming too high.
Motor vehicle use generates over half of the air pollutants in Perth. Responsible use of our cars is therefore essential to keep Perth's air clean.
An Australian Bureau of Statistics survey of motor vehicles in Australia showed that 25% of households serviced their vehicles once a year or less. The manufacturer's recommendation is normally every six months or 10,000kms. This means that at least a quarter of the vehicles on our roads are under-serviced and therefore generating more than their fair share of emissions. If your car is one of those not properly tuned and maintained, its contribution to Perth's pollution levels could be excessive.
As the number and age of vehicles on our roads increases, the importance of regular maintenance in keeping emissions down also increases.
Motor vehicle use is a major contributor to the pollution of Perth's air. The Perth Photochemical Smog Study showed that motor vehicles contribute 51% of nitrogen oxide emissions and 44% of hydrocarbon emissions.
Nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons also react together to produce ozone, which at ground level is a pollutant. Perth's ozone levels are only just below maximum levels in summer.
Particulates are also becoming a cause for concern. Increases in the number of diesel-fuelled vehicles will increase the emissions of particulates.
While atmospheric nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide levels are not a problem at present, as Perth grows in size, congestion will increase along with the number of kilometres travelled. This will increase the volume of emissions produced. The net result will be to increase the pollution load on Perth's air shed.
Air care tips
Motor vehicles produce over half of the smog causing pollutants in Perth. Assuming we're not all suddenly going to give up our cars, we need to do something about the pollution they cause:
- Have your exhaust emissions checked every time your vehicle is serviced (at least twice a year).
- Check the fuel filler cap regularly for damage and be sure it is the correct one for your vehicle.
- Ensure your car is serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations (normally every six months or 10,000kms). LPG components also need regular servicing.
- Don't overfill your petrol tank. It can saturate the carbon canister in the emission control system, which will prevent it from absorbing petrol fumes and allow them to escape into the air.
- Don't drive aggressively. Harsh acceleration uses more petrol and can produce up to 8 times more emissions.
- Reduce the use of your car. Consider whether you can use public transport, cycle, walk, make a phone call or share the trip with someone else.