Owning a diesel car has been a contentious issue for the last decade. Despite their alleged benefits in fuel economy and powerful performance, diesel cars have also been found to contribute significantly to air pollution, which accelerates climate change.
As a result, international authorities have imposed strict regulations on diesel vehicles. As we move forward, the need for homeowners to stay alert and informed about the status of their diesel cars has become more crucial than ever.
One such expert on the matter is Martin Lewis, the founder of Money Saving Expert, who urges every diesel car owner to have their vehicle examined by a lawyer, diesel claim expert, or mechanic to ensure it is still roadworthy and meets the latest emission standards.
The Threat to Environment and Public Health
There is no denying that diesel vehicles have contributed significantly to air pollution, which has devastating effects on the environment and public health.
According to a Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) report, diesel emissions are responsible for more than half of all nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, a primary cause of air pollution in urban areas. Other studies have linked air pollution caused by diesel vehicles to respiratory illnesses such as asthma, heart and lung disease, premature birth, and even cancer.
The strict emission regulations and taxes imposed on diesel vehicles worldwide testify to their environmental and public health impact. In the UK, diesel cars are subject to heavy taxes known as clean air zones in several locations.
The Diesel Emissions Scandal
In 2015, the Volkswagen diesel engine scandal rocked the automobile industry. The carmaker was accused of tampering with the emission control systems of its diesel engines in such a way as to cheat the emission tests. As a result, millions of Volkswagen cars worldwide emitted up to 40 times the allowed nitrogen oxides, causing serious environmental damage.
The scandal led to a significant shift in public opinion as people became more aware of the harmful environmental impact of diesel cars. It also resulted in a flurry of legal suits against Volkswagen and, over time, other manufacturers whose cars were thought to have been engineered to cheat emission tests.
BMW diesel claims also surfaced after it was found that the carmaker had been conspiring with Volkswagen and Daimler on emissions technology for years.
The Need to Check Your Diesel Car
Against this backdrop, Martin Lewis, founder of Money Saving Expert, has urged every diesel car owner to ensure their car is still roadworthy and meets the latest emission standards. The rising tide of diesel claims against the automobile industry underscores the gravity of the situation. Indeed, anyone with a diesel car should not assume it is clean and free of emissions that may be harmful under new regulations and testing benchmarks.
Owners need to confirm their vehicles are still roadworthy and meet the latest emission standards, as keeping a non-compliant car on the road could result in hefty legal fees and fines. There are several steps diesel car owners can take to ensure that their cars are emissions-compliant.
The first step is to find out their vehicle’s eligibility. Owners can visit Claimexperts.co.uk and talk with a diesel compensation claims expert. Suppose their car qualifies and emits higher levels of harmful pollutants than allowed under current regulations. In that case, owners should take action to either file a claim or join a group action lawsuit.
Another way is to have their diesel car examined by a qualified mechanic. The mechanic can conduct an emissions test, examine the engine, and provide owners with recommendations on ensuring compliance with the latest emission standards.
Governments worldwide are imposing new emission standards, and owners should ensure their diesel cars meet these standards. They should also keep themselves up to date with the latest changes and trends in the automobile industry, as these are likely to affect their compliance levels.
What Are the Alternatives to Diesel Cars?
If you’re concerned about the emissions from your diesel car, or you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly option, there are several alternatives to diesel cars that you can consider.
Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, with more charging points installed across the UK. They produce no emissions and can be cheaper to run than petrol or diesel cars.
Hybrid cars are another option, which combines an electric motor with a petrol or diesel engine. They produce lower emissions than traditional combustion engines and can be more fuel-efficient.
Finally, if you’re not ready to switch to an electric or hybrid car just yet, petrol cars produce lower emissions than diesel cars. While they are not as fuel-efficient as diesel cars, they are a cleaner option.
Final Thoughts
In a world where environmental sustainability has become a top priority, diesel cars significantly threaten our climate and public health. Diesel car owners must stay vigilant and informed about the status of their vehicles and take action if necessary, as the implications of non-compliance are significant.
