Petrol Cars and Air Pollution in India: Challenges and solutions

When was the last time you took a deep breath or felt a cool breeze on your face? Unfortunately, clean air is a luxury for people in many parts of the country.

The impact of petrol cars on air pollution in India is such that it affects the regional and seasonal environment significantly. Emissions from vehicles, especially those which run on petrol, are significant contributors to the toxicity in the air. Not only does this cause health problems, but it also has far-reaching environmental impacts.

Major Pollutants from Petrol Cars

The particulate matter (PM) emitted from car exhausts, especially from petrol cars is a complex mixture of tiny particles and liquid droplets, many of which are considered pollutants. Some of the major pollutants that are found in car PM include:

Health Risks Associated with These Pollutants

Air pollution is a big problem in India. In fact, 22 of the world's 30 most polluted cities are in India. This is a serious problem because air pollution can harm your health. The alarming statistics have far-reaching consequences for the health and well-being of millions of people.

Petrol Cars and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The increasing use of petrol cars worldwide has resulted in a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions, which is one of the leading causes of climate change.

Cars that run on petrol are bad for the environment because they emit greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, which makes the world hotter. These gases that cars give off are very bad for the environment. They react in the atmosphere to make ozone, which is also bad for the environment and your health.

The amount of greenhouse gases that a petrol car will produce depends on the car, and how you drive it. For example, if you drive a car that is not well maintained or has an old emissions control system, it might produce more greenhouse gases than it should.

How Much Air Pollution Comes from Vehicles

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), transportation is responsible for around 18% of the total air pollution in the country, with cars and other vehicles being major contributors. In 2015, they released a report stating that road dust and nitrogen oxide from vehicular emissions account for around two-thirds of all pollution in the city limits of Delhi.

The transport sector in India is a major contributor to air pollution, and diesel vehicles are the main culprit. Around 24% of PM2.5 emissions in India come from the transport sector, with vehicles like cars and buses being the biggest contributors.

According to a report by the International Council on Clean Transportation, diesel vehicles are responsible for around 12% of total NOx emissions in India. This means that efforts to reduce air pollution must also focus on this area if we want to see significant improvements in the quality of life for everyone in India.

Way Ahead

One way you can help reduce pollution in your community and environment is by regularly checking your car's pollution levels. By doing this, you can be sure that you're taking appropriate measures to help preserve our planet.

With Park+, you can get expert advice on selling your car, as well as access to a range of other services, including car wash, details of fuel prices, and parking. So why wait? Download the Park+ app today and start maximising the value of your petrol car sale.