FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
02-svor3

CLEAN AIR IS A PHONE CALL AWAY

(RENO, Nev.) –Spring is a perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful Truckee Meadows, however, vehicle exhaust fumes can be an issue for those participating in outdoor activities.  The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides drivers with information on the causes of air pollution by smoking vehicles and solutions to keep the Truckee Meadows smog free. 

 Smoking vehicles are primarily a result of improperly maintained vehicles.  Drivers can identify potential problems by the color of smoke the vehicle emits:  Blue Smoke is a result of engine oil being burned and is caused by an oil leak into the combustion chamber or worn piston rings, valves or cylinders; Black or Grey Smoke results from incomplete fuel combustion caused by a clogged air filter; carburetor, choke, fuel injection or emission system malfunction; ignition timing off; or a blocked manifold and White Smoke indicates that coolant and or water is being vaporized in the combustion chamber and could mean the head gasket is leaking, the vehicle has a cracked block or cylinder or the engine is cold

 Studies have reported that in urban areas, as much as 90 percent of carbon monoxide in the air is a result of motor vehicles.  Smoking vehicles emit: hydrocarbons, which react with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight and hot temperatures forming ground-level ozone; nitrogen oxide which contributes to the formation of ozone and acid rain; and carbon monoxide that reduces the flow of oxygen in the bloodstream and can impair mental alertness and vision. 

 To help prevent air pollution caused by vehicles emitting visible exhaust, drivers can complete the following:

·         Keep vehicles in good running condition: poorly maintained vehicles emit as much as 10 times the emissions as well-maintained vehicles.

·       Travel at moderate steady speeds and reduce idling time: idling more than half a minute burns more gas than it takes to restart the engine.

·       Use clean fuels when available: including reformulated gasoline, oxygenated gasoline and alternative fuels.

·       Plan your shopping trips: 70 percent of the miles we drive are for errands.

Residents of the Truckee Meadows can also help to improve the region’s air quality by reporting smoking vehicles by calling 686-SMOG.  Callers should be prepared to provide the license plate number of the smoking vehicle, the approximate time the vehicle was spotted and the location of the vehicle.  All information is confidential. 

The smoking vehicle program started in 1996, resulting in more than 32,000 calls over the last five years to the DMV.  The program has helped to get more than 5,000 smoking vehicles cleaned up resulting in cleaner air for the region. 
For more information on the smoking vehicle program call 1-877-DMV-STAT (1-877-368-7828) or access http://www.dmvnv.com/emission.htm.