reply to post by lynn112
in the uk we have quite stringent emissions tests, i know because i oversee each of my cars go through the process.
i have been restoring and rebuilding for over 20 years. one car is a 1994 toyota celica 2ltr injection and the other
is a 1978 range rover classic with a straight perkins block 4ltr, no electronics whatsoever and quite bomb proof.
my wife and family are witness to the devotion i put into keeping them in top condition. the range rover is cleaner
than most new four wheelers as quoted by the mot testers on many many occasions.
regarding the sensors, i am unsure as to the environmental impact as they are about the size of a spark plug
and cost on average about £175 to replace at a garage. the catalytic converters are another matter. they are a platinum
mesh inside the exhaust that activates at high temperature and convert the various gases into water vapour and acceptable
levels of co. these are quite expensive to replace in the order of a few hundred pounds. they are also recyclable.
if more people took time to check their cars without soley relying on the yearly test, i feel this would improve their
efficiency.
regarding the battery/hybrid cars, you have seen the elephant in the room so to speak. they are quite heavy, the embodied
energy is questionable and their disposal end of life chain of custody is unknown. most hybrid batteries are made with
lithium which is a commodity that is sure to increase in value as more hybrid electric cars come on the market. the process
of extraction of lithium i believe is a difficult one.
the prodution and replacement of car parts helps sustain the ailing industry imo. there are replacement parts that imo
are not fit for purpose as they have been manufactured to the lowest acceptable standards and these parts should be avoided
at all costs. i personally go for genuine or pattern parts that i feel fit the bill.
regarding your remote starters, what a good idea. unfortunately here in the uk it is an offence to leave a running car
unattended on a public highway for those without a drive but a great idea for those with.
regarding the green tech. at the moment i feel the industry is in it's infancy and mistakes will be made. the downside
to the battery type hybrid is lack of range coupled with the need to charge for several hours from the grid which will
already be at near capacity.
btw it is factory setting not facory as i stated my gaff!
regards f