Warning In Smoke
Sydney Morning Herald
Friday January 20, 1995
SMOKING is unhealthy, and not just for people. If your car is producing excessive smoke from its exhaust pipe, it is a sure indication that the vehicle is not in the best of health and needs attention.
This is bad for the environment and it also means the car is using more oil and petrol than it should.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority recently reminded motorists that smoky vehicles are both environmental and economic problems - the first because of pollution, the second because of the fines for which owners of vehicles with smoky exhausts can become liable.
The EPA regularly conducts roadside checks on cars and trucks for excessive exhaust smoke.
The authority's favourite targets are trucks on country roads that emit black smoke for more than 10 seconds while accelerating uphill.
Car owners are warned that their vehicles must be checked by a licensed mechanic and the problem must be rectified within 30 days or a fine of $99 can be levied.
This is a fair system that takes into account that it is often difficult for the driver to see just how much smoke is being emitted.
The cost of motoring is high enough already without punitive fines that might deprive car owners of the money needed to fix the problem.
But the owners of commercial vehicles that emit excessive smoke face on-the-spot fines.
This is a reflection of the higher number of kilometres logged by most business vehicles, which gives them a much greater potential for environmental damage.
The Motor Traders' Association has long been a supporter of moves to reduce vehicle pollution, including its participation in "Smog Action Week" conducted last year.
Activities such as Smog Action Week help motorists understand the relationship between good maintenance of motor vehicles and cleaner air for people to breathe.
Used responsibly and maintained correctly the motor vehicle is a very efficient means of transport.
The modern motor car is very environmentally friendly when compared with its 10-year-old forerunner.
Unfortunately, the average age of vehicles on Australian roads is greater than 10 years, so it's important to keep older vehicles well maintained in order to minimise their contribution to air pollution.
You can give your vehicle a simple test. Bring your engine up to operating temperature by letting it idle for two or three minutes.
Rev the engine by "blipping" the throttle and keep an eye on the exhaust pipe.
Excessive smoke probably means that either the piston rings or valve guides are worn - possibly both.
A high rate of oil consumption is another indication. If clouds of blue smoke are coming out of the exhaust pipe, it's a sign of excessive oil use.
If a black cloud comes out of a petrol engine, it indicates inefficient fuel usage.
Don't get caught. Look at your exhaust before the EPA does. If you think that what you see is excessive smoke, have your car checked by a licensed mechanic who can get your vehicle back in peak condition.
It's better for your wallet and better for the environment.
© 1995 Sydney Morning Herald