Awareness of air pollution, and the automotive industry’s role in reducing it, is increasing. It is not only the responsibility of the vehicle manufacturers to reduce emissions, the aftermarket has a role to play as well.
On Clean Air Day, a number of suppliers have revealed their thoughts on the subject of air pollution, and highlighted what they are doing, and what the industry needs to do, in order to improve sustainability in the sector.
Clean Air Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of clean air for health and the environment. The day helps to engage individuals, communities, and organisations to take action towards reducing air pollution and improving air quality. It serves to increase awareness of the health risks associated with air pollution, with endorsements from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the UK Government highlighting it as the largest environmental health risk globally.
Unite on Clean Air Day
BM Catalysts is calling on the automotive aftermarket to unite in the fight against harmful emissions this Clean Air Day.
Highlighting its commitment to air quality, the supplier of hot-end emissions products is emphasising the importance of high-quality emissions control devices and the adoption of the latest technologies designed to reduce vehicle emissions.
BM Catalysts has recently expanded its product range with the introduction of Gasoline Particulate Filters (GPFs) and the enhancement of its Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) range.
GPFs are designed to reduce particulate emissions from gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines, ensuring compliance with particulate number (PN) emissions standards under real driving conditions.
SCR technology is essential for reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in diesel engines and works with diesel exhaust fluids like AdBlue to achieve NOx reduction of up to 90%. The increasing prevalence of SCRs in Euro 6 vehicles highlights the need for the aftermarket to support these technologies.
“Our product development team is constantly assessing the market to ensure customers have access to the latest emissions control technologies,” commented Mark Blinston, BM Catalysts’ Commercial Director.
“It is imperative that the automotive aftermarket comes together and plays its part to ensure that the emissions control devices being supplied and fitted are legal, not just on Clean Air Day but beyond. BM Catalysts is working with distributors and workshops to ensure the industry is better informed over new technologies and type approval legislation, and the important role they can play in its enforcement.
We have invested considerable resource into developing our e-learning platform, BM Garage Pro, for example to help support this.”
Clean engine, clean motoring
There are more than 41 million vehicles now on UK roads, with the majority of market share goes to petrol and diesel vehicles, according to the latest SMMT data. Therefore, garages, workshops and motor factors should look to suppliers that are offering products that help to reduce emissions, a situation highlighted by Clean Air Day 2024.
Performance and efficiency robbing carbon build-up occurs as a natural by-product of combustion, more severe issues happen when this is left to accumulate over time, such as: blocked catalytic converters, dirty sensors and engine management lights.
On Clean Air Day, William Jones, sales director at Cataclean, commented: “In a world of eras, environmental sustainability is the one we are living in. Products like Cataclean are not just beneficial, but essential. By offering a robust solution to the persistent problem of carbon build-up and emissions, we are helping to pave the way for a cleaner, greener future.”
“By maintaining cleaner fuel and exhaust systems, Cataclean not only enhances vehicle performance but also significantly reduces harmful emissions.”
A part to play
Meanwhile, TerraClean is advocating for the automotive industry to position itself as a pivotal player in the battle to reduce vehicle emissions.
The company is highlighting the role of advanced vehicle maintenance in reducing harmful emissions on Clean Air Day and beyond.
Anticipating more stringent emissions regulations from the European Union, the UK government is expected to implement similar controls. This move will necessitate that motorists and fleets ensure their vehicles are as environmentally friendly as possible.
“On this Clean Air Day, it is essential to recognise that the automotive aftermarket is not just part of the problem but a vital part of the solution to improving air quality,” said Phil Dowd, sales director at Randstad, the distributor of TerraClean. “Our industry offers a range of innovative technologies that can extend the life of older vehicles while significantly reducing their emissions. This helps motorists comply with future regulations and supports the drive for cleaner air.
“By encouraging regular maintenance and upholding rigorous MOT inspections, we can monitor and manage vehicle emissions effectively. The solutions provided by the aftermarket, such as those from TerraClean, play a crucial role in this effort.”
Regulations and control
Clean Air Day 2024 comes at a time when the automotive industry does not know its future regarding the phasing out of new internal-combustion engine models, as the General Election approaches.
While the Conservative Party delayed the ban to 2035, when all new vehicles must be zero-emission, Labour is advocating for a reinstatement of the 2030 phase out, while the Liberal Democrats have suggested a complete ban on all new non-zero emission models in 2030.
Whatever the outcome, the phasing out of petrol and diesel new cars will likely lead to drivers keeping hold of their older models for longer. Therefore, keeping these clean, both now and in the run up to the ban, is vital.
With this in mind, Fueltone Pro is emphasising the need for the automotive aftermarket to unite in promoting sustainable solutions that reduce vehicle emissions.
“It is incredibly important that we all play our part in reducing air pollution in the face of the climate emergency,” commented Robbie Gray, Chairman of Fueltone Pro, on Clean Air Day. “Although the ban on new ICE vehicles coming up, these models will remain on our roads for many years. We must ensure we are doing our bit to make them as clean as possible.”
Vehicle emissions are a critical yet often overlooked aspect of motoring. Most vehicles undergo exhaust emissions testing as part of their MOT, utilising meters for accuracy. However, petrol vehicles used before August 1975 and diesel vehicles used before January 1980 are still tested visually. This highlights the need for effective emission-reducing solutions.
“Emissions can be closely monitored and managed with the right products and services available in the aftermarket,” Gray explained. “Using high-quality solutions like our DPF cleaners and fuel additives can drastically reduce the environmental impact of existing vehicles.”
