Marylanders drive 151 million miles a day and account for 30 percent of the emissions that contribute to the poor air quality in this region. Drivers can help reduce these harmful emissions by keeping their cars properly maintained. Even small measures, such as proper tire inflation and replacing air filters, can have a significant impact.
In an effort to educate the public on the benefits of keeping a vehicle well maintained, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) implemented a Clean Car Clinic program in 2005. These free clinics provided motorists with the opportunity to have their vehicles inspected by an accredited automotive technician and learn ways to maintain their cars to keep them running cleanly, thereby reducing costly repairs and extending the life of the vehicle.
MDE worked with the Environmental Finance Center at the University of Maryland (EFC) to expand the reach of the Clean Car Clinics. Certified technicians from the University of Maryland’s Motor Transportation Services (MTS) conducted complimentary 26-point inspections for 185 Maryland drivers during ten clinics held between June 2010 and May 2011. This portfolio report summarizes the entire 2010-2011 Clean Car Clinic Program.