Most vehicles in the metropolitan area have petrol engines and these engines give off the majority of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and hydrocarbons.
Nitrogen oxides are a group of gases that are composed of nitrogen and oxygen and are released into the air from motor vehicle exhaust. They are a major ingredient of photochemical smog.
New national standards mean emissions from petrol vehicles will improve over the next eight years. Australia will fall into line with European standards (known as Euros) for both emissions and fuel. Since 2003 Euro 2 (Australian Design Rule (ADR) 79/00) emission standards have applied and Euro 3 (ADR 79/01) standards apply from 2005.
As a result and despite increasing numbers of vehicles and kilometres travelled, in Sydney between 2000 and 2010:
Total hydrocarbons are projected to fall by 16 per cent.
NOx are projected to fall by 37 per cent.
Carbon monoxide is expected to fall by 40 per cent.
PM10 (particles 10 microns or less in diameter) are projected to fall by 23 per cent.
Tips to minimise emissions
The way you drive can make a big difference to the amount of pollution your car produces and the amount of fuel you use:
- Keep your vehicle tuned to the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines.
- Don't warm-up your car – it wastes fuel and is unnecessary if the vehicle is tuned.
- Don't fill the petrol tank past the first click -expansion of the fuel can result in increased emissions.
- Use unleaded petrol wherever possible.
- Drive cleaner cars – for more information refer to Green Vehicles Guide (related links above right).
- Remove excess weight from your vehicle (eg sporting equipment in the boot).
- Keep windows closed to minimise air drag and improve fuel efficiency.
- Keep track of fuel economy – a loss in economy usually means an increase in emissions.
- Try to reduce idling time – idling for over 30 seconds uses more petrol than it takes to restart the engine.
- Avoid driving in peak hours.
- Minimise trips and kilometres (walk, cycle, carpool, use public transport).
- Plan trips so that you have one linked trip rather than multiple trips.
- Avoid short trips – until your car is at normal operating temperature, it will emit excess pollution.
- Travel at moderate, steady speeds and avoid high speeds as they result in greater emissions.
- Don't rev the engine and avoid excessive acceleration and braking.
Emissions testing
New vehicles must comply with emission standards when first offered on to the Australian market. Even with wear and tear over time, vehicles can still perform close to their original design standard if they are well maintained. High emission levels may suggest a problem with the vehicle.
At Botany and Penrith Motor Registries the RTA has installed laboratory grade emissions testing equipment – accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA). This equipment can test petrol and gas fuelled light vehicles.
The RTA offers free emissions testing for petrol vehicles so customers can compare how their vehicle performs with the standard it met when new.
If you would like your vehicle tested, please call the RTA Customer Service Centre on 137 AIR (137 247) for a booking. A test can take up to 30 minutes.
As well as testing for the general public, these facilities have been used to test modified vehicles, smoky vehicles and LPG vehicles.
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