RICHARD’S TYREPOWER

348 Scarborough Beach Road, Osborne Park,

Western Australia 6017

08 9444 2233

Greener Cars Call for a

Greener Future

Vehicles affect the environment negatively in a lot of ways. It begins in the production

process and continues daily when drivers use their cars, and even when they disposed

of the vehicle. Luckily, most manufacturers now produce environmentally friendly

materials.

The Effects during the Production Process

The negative impact starts when a car is manufactured, especially in the construction of

materials and parts. This happens when they extract minerals and make raw materials

for the parts of the vehicle. Vehicle production has a huge environmental footprint, as it

uses components like paints, plastic, glass, rubber and steel.

The manufacture and distribution process contributes to a level of pollution linked to the

materials. Most of these are because of air pollution, the release of toxic materials and

consumption of energy.

The Effects When in Use

The biggest effect happens when people drive. Cars consume a lot of fuel. Around 12

years into the lifespan of a vehicle, it produces 90 per cent greenhouse gas emissions

because of the consumption of fuel. It is the main factor that drives global warming.

Automobiles are the biggest contributor to air pollution, emitting about one-third of air

contamination. Vehicles release carbon dioxide, smog and other toxins that are harmful

to humans. Tailpipes are within street level, and people will inhale the contaminated air

directly. It poses as a more dangerous health concern compared to toxins released by

industrial smokestacks in the sky.

Sources:

http://www.tyresperth.com.au/tyres.html

http://www.greenercars.org/why-buy-green/automobiles-environment

http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/green-guide/buying-

guides/car/environmental-impact/

The Effects during the Destruction Process

The end of a vehicle’s life does not necessarily mean it will not cause any harm to the

environment. The toxic battery acids, plastics and other products will stay in the

environment.

Fortunately, the amount of junk piled up today is smaller compared to that of years

ago, and around three-quarters of the average vehicle today can be recycled. There

are even companies that produce environmentally friendly tyres.