Pollutants emitted from vehicles can lead to poor visibility and health problems such as asthma and respiratory illness. Pollutants also can damage buildings and affect the quality of water resources.

Under the Clean Air Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set protective health-based standards for ozone and other pollutants in the air we breathe. Failure to meet the ozone and other standards over a period of time can result in an area being designated "nonattainment" by EPA. States strive to achieve attainment with the standards to assure that public health is protected, promote economic growth, avoid the potential loss of federal highway funding, and preclude the time and cost required to develop and implement plans to reattain attainment status. more

Motor vehicle manufacturers are required to meet increasingly stringent pollution standards, but vehicles that are not properly maintained or that have malfunctioning emission control systems can exceed these standards. A number of state and local governments have implemented vehicle emissions inspection programs to identify vehicles with improperly functioning emission control systems. Repairs are then required to reduce the vehicles' emissions.

 Vehicle Emissions Testing in Idaho

Currently, only on vehicles registered in Northern Ada County are required to undergo emissions testing. Vehicles must be tested annually. Testing is regulated by the Ada County Air Quality Board. For more information, contact:

Ada County Air Quality Board

(208) 377-9191
http://www.emissiontest.org

 Drive Less

The most effective way to reduce emissions from your vehicle is to use it less.

• Ride the bus, carpool, and share trips to reduce the number of cars emitting pollutants. If possible, choose non-polluting travel such as walking or biking.
• Reduce commuting. Choose to live close to your work.
• Organize a carpool at your work. Call 345-POOL for help.
• Combine trips to the same areas. Once you arrive, park your car and walk between destinations.
• Avoid driving during peak traffic hours or in stop-and-go traffic.

 Maintain Your Car

All cars emit some pollutants; poorly maintained cars emit the most. A properly tuned car runs better, gets better gas mileage, and pollutes less.

• Get regular tune-ups. Vehicles with worn spark plugs or clogged fuel or air filters do not run efficiently and emit more pollution.
• Keep tires properly inflated and wheels aligned to reduce tire drag on the road. Gas mileage drops 1% for every pound below the recommended level of pressure.
• Don't top off the gas tank. This allows harmful chemicals to escape into the air.

 Drive Wisely

The harder your engine works, the more gas it burns, and the more tailpipe emissions you create.

• Avoid carrying unneeded items. Each extra 100 pounds increases the amount of gas used by 4%.
• Place items inside the vehicle instead of on roof racks. Remove roof racks when not in use. The wind drag from a rack increases gas consumption by almost one mile per gallon.
• Drive at a medium speed. Most cars get the best gas mileage between 35 and 45 miles per hour.
• Drive at a steady speed. Avoid stop-and-go traffic and take it easy on the brake and gas pedals.
• Use the air conditioner only when necessary. Air conditioners can reduce your gas mileage by 20%.
• Avoid long idles at drive-up windows or when waiting. Restarting a warm engine takes less fuel than letting it run for just 30 seconds.
• During hot summer months, fuel vehicles in the evening to facilitate dissipation of volatile organic compounds that contribute to ozone formation.

Hybrid vehicles use both a conventional gas-powered engine and an electric motor to power the vehicle. With the assistance of the electric motor, the gasoline engine can be smaller (and therefore less polluting). Hybrid vehicles can reduce air emissions of smog-forming pollutants by up to 90% and cut carbon dioxide emissions in half. Currently, Toyota and Honda produce hybrid cars. Several other manufacturers have plans to introduce hybrid cars, SUVs, and even minivans in the near future. more

 Link to these Web pages:

Health and Air Pollution (DEQ Web Page)

Learn about various air pollutants and their potential health impacts.

Air Monitoring Overview: How DEQ Assesses Air Quality (DEQ Web Page)

Find out about Idaho's nonattainment areas and what it is begin done to achieve attainment.

Hybrid Vehicles (DEQ Web Page)

Discover how hybrid vehicles work and their environmental and economic benefits.

Mobile Source Emissions - Past, Present and Future (EPA Web Page)

Information on air pollution from vehicles, engines, and other machines that move.

Consumer Information - What You Can Do (EPA Web Page)

Links to related fact sheets and other reference materials.