The Clean Air Community Trust performs free tailpipe emission testing at events like the SEE Expo to promote pollution awareness and give drivers tips on driving cleaner and greener.

This is not the On-Board Diagnostic test that is done as part of the North Carolina State Inspection.  We test for levels of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons (unburned fuel), and nitrogen oxide coming straight from your tailpipe into the air.  Since we are not a regulatory agency, you do not have to worry about being reported for excessive pollution; our efforts are strictly educational.  We will simply make recommendations on fuel efficiency and cleaner driving.

There are many ways that drivers can increase their fuel efficiency and pollute less while driving.  Some of these include:

• Check the tires. Have your wheels aligned and keep your tires properly inflated. Low tire pressure wastes over two million gallons of gasoline in the United States every day.

• Keep your engine tuned properly. Checking spark plugs, oxygen sensors, air filters, hoses and belts are a few examples of maintenance that can save a vehicle owner up to 165 gallons of gas per year, resulting in potential savings of $230.

• Travel light and pack smart. Avoid hauling unnecessary loads; extra weight decreases fuel economy and increases pollutant emissions. Placing luggage inside rather than on the roof or trunk of the vehicle maintains an aerodynamic profile, minimizing drag and increasing mileage.

• Accelerate and decelerate smoothly and gradually. Jack-rabbit starts consume up to 50% more fuel than slow, steady accelerations.

• Slow down and drive less aggressively. In highway travel, exceeding the speed limit by a mere 5 m.p.h. results in an average fuel economy loss of 6%. Also, conservative estimates show that aggressive driving can result in a 10% impact on fuel economy and cost drivers more than $80 per year.

• Know when to use the air. Air conditioning can decrease your fuel efficiency by as much as 12% in stop-and-go traffic, so consider cracking the windows. But remember, at high speeds, driving with the windows open can also decrease the overall efficiency of the vehicle.

• Park it, once there. Once at your destination, consider parking your car and using other modes of transportation to get around. Walk to dinner, rent bikes to go shopping, or take the bus. Reducing the amount you drive can have the greatest benefit on the environment.