6 tips for making a used car less polluting
By Bardahl • The 3/5/2025 • 5 min reading
We sometimes forget, but one of the basic ecological principles is to keep "things," like a car, alive as long as possible. Indeed, all cars on the used market have already been produced. The energy associated with production has therefore already been expended anyway. We might as well use them, because obsolescence and rapid replacement with mass production—and therefore, mass energy expended—are not exactly virtuous for the planet.
Of course, used cars emit more emissions than newer cars. But there are a few things you can do to limit the pollution from your used car.
Monitor maintenance history
It all starts when you're looking for a used vehicle. A good purchase will be one for which you have a full service history, preferably with receipts. Indeed, a well-maintained car, regularly following the manufacturer's recommendations, will pollute less than a vehicle that receives very little maintenance. That's the bottom line!
Ensure the tires are in good condition
When inspecting a used vehicle, don't forget to check the tires. Here are some things to look for:
- wear and tear,
- the manufacturing date (a tire over 10 years old is dangerous, because the rubber dries out!) and the pressure.
Incorrect tire pressure can not only cause abnormal wear and tear, but also increase fuel consumption. If you want your used car to be less polluting, your tire pressure must be optimal.
Advise on the Technical Inspection Pass
In France, the Car-Pass must be issued for any sale of a used vehicle. To obtain this famous sesame, the vehicle must go for a technical inspection. Professionals usually use additives like the Bardahl Technical Inspection Pass ( gasoline or diesel ). This kit cleans the fuel system, stops fumes, reduces consumption and restores the performance of the engine of a used vehicle. Recommend it to the used car dealer or the individual from whom you are buying the vehicle.
Opt for eco-engine cleaning
When you own a used vehicle with more than 20,000 km on the odometer, consider having your engine eco -cleaned by Bardahl experts. This deep eco-cleaning allows you to:
A reduction in consumption and therefore an increase in autonomy.
A reduction in the opacity of exhaust fumes and therefore a reduction in harmful emissions.
Smoother driving thanks to the recovery of the engine's original responsiveness.
Practice eco-driving
To make any vehicle less polluting, another good habit to adopt is eco-driving. This technique helps reduce your vehicle's fuel consumption. Anticipation and a constant speed are eco-driving's best friends. Don't forget that getting a vehicle moving again requires a lot of energy. In other words, slowing down, even to a few km/h, is much better than stopping and starting again. On this subject, remember that when starting off, a compact car can instantly consume more than 100 l/100 km!
Repair with recycled and/or used parts
To complete the circle, we return to the principle explained at the beginning of the article: second-life parts help preserve the planet. If you need to repair your vehicle and want to reduce pollution, consider used and/or recycled parts. Headlights, alternator, starter, brake discs, etc. Indeed, the list of parts from the circular economy that can be installed without risk is rather long. The key is 50% savings compared to new parts and almost as much energy savings (CO2, in particular) required for their manufacture.