There are three different types of emissions measurements used within modern vehicles. Each one provides the car, or more specifically the computer chip in the car, with the information needed to make the adjustments in the fuel to air ratio to provide a cleaner combustion with fewer hydrocarbons. In addition the various types of emissions can be tested during vehicle inspections and are routine in some areas of the United States, Europe, Canada and the United Kingdom. They include the tailpipe emissions, life cycle emissions and evaporative fuel emissions. The emission control system within the vehicle needs to be repaired whenever a vehicle fails to pass the emissions standards within the area it is licensed.

All vehicles sold as new vehicles since 1976 have come with a catalytic converter, which is actually an addition to the exhaust system that provides additional oxidation of the hydrocarbons, reducing the total amount of emissions. The catalytic converter is an essential part of any emissions control system in a vehicle, converting the harmful hydrocarbons to water and carbon dioxide before they even get to the muffler. There are also a series of valves within the vehicle that adjust with the emissions measurements to make the vehicle`s engine burn cleaner, producing less harmful emissions.

The three different types of emissions are measured in different ways. The tailpipe emission measurement can be used at any time to actually test how the catalytic converter and other emissions control systems in the vehicle are working. It literally tests the exhaust from the tailpipe for unburned fuel and emissions. The lifecycle emissions are calculated over the live of the vehicle and include the emissions in maintaining, manufacturing and disposing of the vehicle. This type of emission measurement is an estimate based on the age of the vehicle.

The evaporative fuel emissions measurement is a test of how well the closed gas tank system within the car handles the evaporation of the gas due to weather changes. If the system is inefficient not only does the vehicle loose gas but it also releasing heavy molecular gases and other hazardous emissions.

By having your vehicle routinely maintained and tested it is possible to both help your gas mileage as well as decrease the amount of dangerous materials released into the environment by your vehicle.

There are several components to your vehicles emissions control system, with each part working together to keep your car operating as cleanly as possible. The first part of the emissions control system is the computer that monitors the content of the exhaust produced by the engine. When fuel to air ratios are incorrect the engine is not working at peak efficiency and will produce a lot more hydrocarbons. The emission control system automatically notes this inefficiency and signals the air and fuel intakes to adjust, correcting any problems in the ratio and resulting in a cleaner and more efficient motor. This is all done in real time as the engine is operating, and the driver and passengers are not aware of these constant adjustments and monitoring of the system.

Another part of the emissions control system in your vehicle is the catalytic converter. This is a part of the exhaust system that is located just before the muffler and acts as an additional area where carbon monoxide can be oxidized into water and carbon dioxide. The catalytic converter is designed like a radiator, with a mesh or honeycomb appearance that allows maximum contact of the exhaust with the platinum or palladium in the catalytic converter, resulting in the oxidation as the hydrocarbons touch the metals. During this oxidation process heat is released, resulting in the catalytic converter becoming very hot, sometimes hot enough to almost glow when the exhaust is very dirty and contains high levels of hydrocarbons. When the catalytic converter overheats, this also sends a signal to the car`s computer through the emission control system, resulting in a signal to the driver by a light on the dash or a computer systems test result in newer models.

The third major components in an emissions control system are the various valves located along the exhaust system and during the actual burning of the fuel through combustion. These valves all have to continue to work at the right time and in the right balance to provide optimum performance for the engine. Drivers of newer model vehicles have the luxury of having these valves monitored by the computer on the vehicle, helping with diagnostic tests when fuel mileage and performance is poor. Some of the new models of vehicles even directly email owners with a performance print out that can be taken to a mechanic or even emailed to your repair shop or dealership to keep on file for your next scheduled tune up.

The goal of the early types of individual reduction emissions for transportation fuel programs, both for private vehicles and larger public types of transportation was to switch to a gasoline that had no lead or lead additives. Despite early criticism of the program the results were extremely positive with the amount of lead found in the average person in the United States dropping by almost 75% according to the Center for Energy and Environmental Studies at Princeton University. The success for the individual, reduction of emissions, transportation fuels releasing less lead into the environment and a overall better environment is also the goal of the new carbon based reductions that are occurring today.

Basically in order to have individual reduction emissions in transportation fuels, gas refineries have to modify the type of fuels they are producing to include low-carbon fuels, resulting in further decreases in the amount of carbon that is generated when the fuel is burned in the engine. This measurement, known as carbon density, is a key driving factor in much of the new legislation both in the United States and globally to reduce the carbon generation by individual vehicles as well as public transportation systems. Companies that produce fuels would be required to track the carbon output of the different fuels that they sell, plus would be required to keep their fuels within a specific pre-set target range.

In addition to these newly engineered low-carbon fuels other programs are currently in use for individual reduction emissions. Transportation systems that are better designed to handle peak travel times, reduced scheduling during non-peak hours and even alternating between size of vehicles used in peak and off-peak times can all help reduce emissions. Different cities and geographic locations also offer different initiatives and benefits for those commuters and travelers that are working to lower either public fuel emissions or individual vehicle emissions. These can include programs such as subsidized car pool programs, discounted transportation costs for commuters and even by increasing the cost of parking. These few small changes really can add up quickly and encourage commuters and travelers to use the more environmentally friendly options for transportation rather than the high emissions single passenger per vehicle option.

There are some very simple ways to focus on emissions reduction when it comes to operating your motor vehicle. Of course the best possible option is to look at a vehicle that uses alternative types of fuels or at the very least gets significant gas mileage. The large, luxury cars and sports utility vehicles are definitely not in this category, however that doesn`t mean they can`t still be used, just limit your use of the those types of vehicles. In the real world buying a hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle is just not possible for everyone, but the following emissions reduction strategies are:

• Whenever possible don`t use your vehicle. Consider using a bicycle for short distances or even walking to save on all types of pollution and emissions. For longer distances or if you have to carry things the bus is a great option, plus you don`t have the additional stress of having to navigate through traffic.

• Combining trips and errands and planning your drive can really help with emissions reduction as well as saving on the high price of fuel. Start by looking at what you need to do in the day and grouping activities by location. You may even want to alter your schedule and change your habits by only going to the grocery store once or even switching banks or other services so they are more centralized and require less travel.

• Switch or convert to bill payment and even shopping using the computer. The more that you are avoiding simply being in your vehicle the greater emissions reduction benefits you will be providing to the environment.

• Always keep your vehicle in good repair. Not only does this prevent breakdowns and mechanical problems, but a well maintained engine is less likely to produce excessive emissions and will more efficiently burn fuel.

• Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressure. Saggy or deflated tires provide more friction on the road, requiring more fuel to propel the vehicle. By keeping your tires inflated you can actually save gas, plus lower your emissions.

Besides just reducing driving, other emissions reduction programs that you can do right in your home include participating in recycling programs, buying ‘green’ products that are free from chemicals that release toxins as well as carbon dioxide. Finally plant as many trees and plants as you can in your green space or yard. Trees are nature filters of carbon dioxide, plus they will make your yard a wonderful place to spend time.

Each one of the emissions reduction incentive grants is based on an application process, most which can be done online. These grants are open to companies, government agencies, private owners and operators or even those businesses that own vehicles or engines that meet the criteria for the grant. Typically states will determine which counties or areas within the state are eligible for the grant as well as the level of funding of the various grants offered. In Texas, for example, the grants are usually only offered in the counties around the major metropolitan cities, however in California emissions reduction incentive grants may be localized or based state wide.

There are several different types of emissions reduction incentive grants, some which are provided to communities and cities to create environmentally friendly options for commuters and travelers. Often these grants include programs to purchase hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles to use within government agencies, however they can also extend to programs for low-sulfur producing bio-diesel fuels or even mass transit development programs and systems.

In some areas the emissions reduction incentive grants may be applied directly to lowering the number and amount of traffic on the road. This could include using funds to set up car pool programs, assist employers in developing work from home options for employees or even increasing the number of fuel efficient buses being used on public transportation routes. In these cases each city, county or municipality will apply for the emissions reduction incentive grants either through their state government or through federal programs.

Not all of the grants are for vehicles on the road, with both Texas and California offering emissions reduction incentive grants for engines on compressors, heavy equipment, generators and even construction equipment such as forklifts and backhoes. Since these large types of motorized equipment typically operate using diesel fuel, switching to minimum idling time, fully upgrading and maintaining the equipment as well as replacing old, poorly functioning motors with newer, low emissions motors only makes sense. Through the emissions reduction incentive grants owners and operators can either fix or replace old equipment and full funding of the repair may be completely covered by the grant, ensuring that both sides benefit through the application of the incentive grants.

The vent control valve, or more specifically the EVAP canister vent control valve is located at the actual canister itself, which works to trap the vapors produced when gas is heated. The valve typically is in the open position to allow the vapors to vent from the tank and carborator into the charcoal of the canister, then be drawn back into the engine and burned with the fuel air mixture the next time the vehicle is started. When there is a problem that results in an auto code 1446 emissions control systems, car`s warning or fault reading, it is often necessary to replace the vent control valve to stop the fault from occurring. Not a costly repair the valve replacement typically corrects the reading and ensures that the vehicle will continue to operate at peak efficiency.

The only time that the solenoid valve (vent control valve) is closed is when the diagnostic test is running. In this case the valve closes to allow the system to pressurize to test for leaks. If the valve doesn`t seal or close for some reason during this process the diagnostic test cannot be completed. In some cases the valve may also stick closed, again impeding the operation of the evaporative emissions control system and resulting in a fault reading of auto code 1446, emissions control systems. Cars that have this fault or problem may have some lack of power or acceleration and may also have rougher idling under certain conditions.

Diesel emissions control in major centers has become very focused on developing newer, cleaner burning and low-sulfur content diesel fuels. One of the many options is to use bio-diesel, a product that can be made through recycling and refining different types of oils, including old used cooking oil. Restaurants and food production facilities now dump thousands of gallons of this oil a day, so using it as a recyclable and environmentally friendly part of a diesel emissions control program makes sense as well as saves money.

Other major centers have looked at providing grants and incentives for programs that decrease the idling time of diesel motors to provide a voluntary but effective diesel emissions control option. This can include programs that limit the hours of operation of diesel motors, especially those used in construction. Owners and operators are rewarded for efficiently using the diesel engine while it is running, and avoiding additional idling time where exhaust is being produced but the equipment is just sitting. New routes for buses and trains that decrease time spent sitting at stops can also really cut down on emissions with just a bit of a change to passengers and commuters.

Keeping the diesel motor running in top condition and upgrading valves and seals throughout the system can also help in diesel emissions control both on a small and large scale. Some states such as Texas and California offer grant incentive programs for owners and operators of heavy diesel vehicles or motors that want to upgrade their engines to provide more fuel efficiency. These programs are typically voluntary and are done on an application basis. However there are also programs in place where drivers can report vehicles, both diesel and gas burning, which are obviously polluting the environment. Once a vehicle has been reported the owner will need to have the vehicle inspected and brought up to acceptable standards in order to pass an inspection. In some areas where these programs are in place grants and vouchers are available if the vehicle does not pass the inspection and the owner can demonstrate that he or she needs financial assistance to repair the vehicle.

One option that many truck manufacturers have moved towards is smaller, lighter vehicles to help limit truck emissions. Control systems that are designed to both prevent tailpipe emissions as well as closed system gasoline tanks that prevent evaporative emissions are all standard in most newer trucks. Truck emissions control systems are also standardized in the heavier types of diesel trucks such as dump trucks and heavy hauling vehicles.

There are several programs offered by state government to help upgrade truck emissions control systems for older gasoline motors or for diesel engines. One state that offers such a program is Texas, however it is only applicable to heavy diesel trucks. In addition California also offers truck emissions control grants and incentives that help owners and operators of heavy trucks upgrade to more efficient engines.

Keeping the truck motor, whether diesel or gasoline, well repaired and completely up to date with regards to parts and service is one easy way for truck owners to help manage emissions. Another easy way to help your emissions low on your truck is to properly maintain your tires, keeping them inflated to the correct pressure to prevent additional fuel use when driving.

Some other tips for helping truck emissions control systems limit the amount of hydrocarbons produced include:

• Eliminate all extra weight from the vehicle. Often truck owners tend to store a lot of extra ‘stuff’ such as tools, equipment, materials and other objects in the bed of the truck. This extra weight can increase the load on the engine, resulting in higher emissions.

• The use of regular gas additives that help to reduce build up in the engine will help prevent some tailpipe emissions and will also keep the engine running more efficiently.

• Purchase the right grade of diesel fuel or gasoline that is recommended for use in the engine. Each truck manufacturer will make a recommendation in the vehicle manual that indicates the best grade of fuel to use for the type and size of engine. If there is no manual for the vehicle, call a dealership or check with the company via information on the internet that will clearly detail the fuel.

Following a few simple and easy steps can help to truck emissions control systems work to optimum levels.

Gas is a very easily evaporated substance and tends to turn from a liquid into a vapor at lower temperatures that many other substances. Until vehicles were equipped with the evaporative emissions control system component, there was a significant amount of liquid gas in the fuel tank that simply turned into vapor and was vented or released into the air. It was estimated that before 1970 when evaporative emissions control system programs were put in place, about twenty percent of all hydrocarbons released into the air were from gasoline evaporation from vehicle gas tanks.

The evaporative emissions control system turns what used to be an open system into a closed system, trapping the vapor in a canister. Both the gas tank as well as the carburetor vent into the canister that is filled with charcoal. When the vapor from the gasoline moves through the canister it sticks to the charcoal, which is a type of filter. The tiny vapor particles are held into the charcoal but when the vehicle is started again the suction produced by the engine will pull the vapors back into the engine. This vapor is then burned in the engine as part of the combustion of the motor, resulting in a cleaner burning engine.

In order for the evaporative emissions control system to work correctly, the system must be completely sealed. This includes a sealing gas cap to the outside of the vehicle. If the seal is damaged in some way, the system does not work properly and will trigger the ‘check engine’ light to come on. Once this happens, taking the vehicle to a technician who can then check the on-board diagnostic system will confirm that there is a gas cap seal problem. Simply replacing the gas cap typically fixes the problem and ensures that the evaporative emissions control system is working correctly. Another common problem is a sticky valve to the canister, which will result in an improper air fuel ratio and poor vehicle performance. The valve can also stick open, result in incorrect fuel mixtures as well. Finally the filter to the charcoal canister can also become plugged. This is typically seen as a decrease in power and acceleration when the vehicle is being driven. Even if the engine light does not come on, this filter and the valve should be checked during all tune-ups.

There are several abbreviations used on the vehicle emissions control information sticker and they include:

• BPA – by pass air
• CONV – conventional system
• EGR – exhaust gas recirculation
• EGR BPT – exhaust gas recirculation back pressure transducer
• EVAP – evaporative emission
• EVAP CSP – evaporative emissions canister storage/purging
• IAC – idle air control
• IAC FIC – idle air control fast idle control
• PCV – positive crankcase ventilation
• TI – transistorized ignition
• WU-TWC – warm-up three way catalytic converter
• UB – underbody
• TWC – three way catalytic converter
• VCC – vacuum cut control solenoid

As a vehicle owner you won`t need to know or remember these terms, however the vehicle emissions control information sticker and the schematic drawing that shows these different areas of the engine are essential for your repair professional.

The easiest way for a driver to know when the vehicle has noted a problem with in the vehicle emissions control system is that the malfunction light will come on in the dash. Depending on the model and type of vehicle that you drive the light will be different. Typically there is some type of ‘check engine’ message that is associated with the particular in-dash system, but in addition the vehicle will also store a record of what was happening in the engine within the computer memory. When you take your vehicle to the repair shop their diagnostic computer interacts with your vehicle computer chip, allowing the computer to literally help diagnosis the malfunction in your vehicle. In order to properly set and repair the vehicle, the vehicle emissions control information that is specific to your vehicle and engine will be used.

The computer system will also clear itself after so many drive cycles are completed without the same fault or detection occurring. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle the number of drive cycles required to clear the system will vary, but it is typically around three. This means that if the reading was an abnormality that doesn`t repeat, the car will actually reset it own computer chip and will cease to continue to alert the driver through the indicator light.