How Westside Auto Repairs is “Going Green”
We’re operating an eco-friendly auto service shop, and we are proud of it.
Like many modern mechanical machines, vehicles, if not well maintained, can become greasy, oily, and pollute the environment with exhaust smoke. For these reasons, it shouldn’t be a big surprise that many auto shops appear to be dirty as well.
It may also come as a shock to many that auto repair facilities are on the leading edge of creating a “greener,” more environmentally-friendly world — and, we’ve been doing it for years! “But how can this be?” many will ask. To the casual observer it would appear a shop’s bottom line would interfere with any interest in making British Columbia a healthier place to live.
Recycling has been a big part of the auto repair industry for quite some time. Many “consumable” parts, including starters, water pumps, engines, transmissions, and alternators (just to name a few) can be rebuilt to like new condition.
But, recycling is just one component of creating a greener, more sustainable world. Let’s take a look at some of our other shared environmental goals:
- Lowering Carbon & Greenhouse Gas Emissions that Contribute to Global Warming
- Reducing Harmful Exhaust Pollutants that Negatively Affect Air Quality
- Minimizing Waste by Reusing Materials
Your Contribution to a Greener Planet
When you are proactive about your vehicle’s maintenance needs, such as properly inflated tires, fresh fluids, and getting your wheels aligned, you not only prolong the life of your vehicle, but also make it a more environmentally-friendly ride.
In fact, even recently manufactured cars can put off the same amount of pollutants and have mileage as poor as cars made in the 1980s when they are not properly maintained. Proper maintenance helps to greatly reduce the nitric oxide, nitric dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons that aggravate breathing problems and cause acid rain.
Wear Your Greenness Proudly
When an automobile part begins to wear out, it causes another part to wear out faster by forcing it to pick up the slack. This can mean the difference of replacing two parts instead of one. Buying two parts or more will definitely have a negative impact on your budget, but there are also environmental concerns. In many instances, new materials will need to be mined, fabricated, and shipped from overseas locations. To reduce waste, you should always have a part replaced or repaired as soon as you notice it is beginning to wear out. If you are not mechanically-minded, discuss the recommended tune-up/check-up frequency with one of our mechanics.
Our Contribution to a Greener Planet
By following the three Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle), we not only help the environment, but also help our bottom line as well. Dirty oil, anti-freeze, and other fluids can be sent away to be processed and reused. Other parts and scrap metal can find a second life in other applications and products.
If you’d like to help reduce your carbon footprint, ask us how, we’d love to help!