One can rightly argue that the 21^st century is the age of environmental awareness. Individuals and corporate entities alike are increasingly coming under pressure to mind the environmental impact of their day-to-day activities.

This article discusses three vehicle upgrades that can help to reduce the chances that vehicle owners will find themselves on the wrong side of environmental protection laws.

Active Regeneration Diesel Particulate Filters

Diesel particulate filters help to trap and to eliminate soot from an automobile exhaust system. Elimination of soot is done by burning soot particles into a fine ash-like substance that eventually collects on the exhaust. A car that operates with defective diesel particulate filters is likely to release excess soot into the atmosphere through its exhaust system. The person operating such an automobile can easily be charged for polluting the air.

In a large number of cases, vehicle manufacturers will fit passive-regeneration diesel particulate filters so as to cut down on production costs. Passive regeneration filters are able to burn soot particles when the temperature of exhaust gases is higher than that of the soot. The temperature of exhaust gases may fail to rise past that of soot if the vehicle engine doesn't run for long enough (e.g . during short drives).

Active regeneration filters uses a catalyst to increase temperatures within the exhaust system such that this temperature is higher than the combustion temperature of soot.  Thus, these filters will work regardless of engine run-time. Choosing to replace passive regeneration particulate filters with their actively regenerated counterparts might be a good idea.

Sound Absorption Devices 

Apart from exhaust gases, noise from an automobile may also place a motorist on a collision course with environmental law enforcement officers. There are strict guidelines in relation to the acceptable levels of noise that should be produced when a vehicle is on the road.

The music system and the engine are common sources of noise in a vehicle. Vehicle owners who enjoy the feeling of listening to their favorite artist(s) on loudspeaker when driving should invest in sound-absorption devices for their automobiles. These devices prevent the escape of sound from inside the vehicle. Examples of sound absorption devices include sound isolators and sound-deadening mats.

Harmonic Engine Balancers

Noise from the engine often results from the cranking and dubbing action that is characteristic of vehicle engine operations. Harmonic balancers installed in a vehicle help to absorb the vibrations (read noise) produced as a result of the engine cranks and dubs.

With the discussed upgrades, complying with environmental protection laws should be a breeze.