In a world that has become increasingly focused on environmental consciousness and sustainability, the automotive industry has found itself at a crossroads. As South Africans, most of us know the importance of a personal vehicle to assist our daily living. Whether it involves carting the kids to school, commuting to our places of work, or travelling to our favourite holiday destinations, the fact is that having our own vehicles is necessary.
Given how busy life can be, it’s not surprising that not too many of us think about the environmental impact when it comes to the cars that we choose.
Enter the market of pre-owned vehicles, an industry that involves more than saving money, but also contributes to saving our planet.
Let’s unpack how the choice of a second-hand vehicle can become an eco-friendly decision along your motoring journey.
The Carbon Impact Of New Car Production
Before new vehicles are released into the market, they will have already impacted our environment in a significant way. You see, the manufacturing processes for new cars are resource-intensive and involve energy-hungry production lines, as well as the extraction of raw materials, and complicated supply chains spanning the globe.
Think about this. Producing a new medium-sized vehicle generates up to 7 tonnes of CO2, which equates to driving the car for around three years. When you opt for a second-hand vehicle, you are basically side-stepping this carbon output, and using a product that has already absorbed the cost to the environment.
Conserving Resources, Reducing Demand
Something else that is interesting to think about is that for every person who opts for a second-hand vehicle over buying one out-of-the-box, we are sending an important message to manufacturers. As consumers, we are essentially saying, “Our world doesn’t need more new vehicles, we can use what is already out there.”
This reduced demand will undoubtedly have a ripple effect that should potentially impact the entire automotive industry. For instance, we should see a decrease in shipping and packaging requirements, vastly lower energy consumption in warehouses and factories, and reduced extraction of raw materials.
Thinking in logical terms, these factors combined should contribute to a lower environmental impact. The equation, in our minds, is simple… the more we are able to reuse, the less we will need to be produced from scratch.
The Longevity Factor
Quite a few modern cars are manufactured to last, so with the correct maintenance, you could easily drive your vehicle past the 300,000 km mark. So, when you invest in a pre-owned car with a lower mileage, and you maintain it, you could maximise its useful life while also extending the return on the environmental impact that was made during the initial production of the vehicle.
When we refer to longevity, we are also speaking to the overall quality of today’s cars. Gone are those days when purchasing a second-hand car translated into inheriting the previous owner’s problems. With programmes like the AA Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Inspection, you can be sure that your pre-owned purchase is roadworthy, reliable, and environmentally friendly.
Making An Informed Choice
Of course, not all second-hand cars are created equal – especially when considering their environmental impact.
Here are a few tips to make the greenest choice:
- Prioritise regular maintenance: Well-maintained older models can often be kinder to the environment than a neglected newer model.
- Consider the car’s mileage and age: A vehicle that has moderate mileage and is only a few years old translates into the sweet spot between reliability and environmental impact.
- Use the AA Certified Pre-Owned Programme: This guarantees you are securing a car that has been extensively inspected and runs at its best.
- Look for fuel-efficient models: Even among a lot of the older cars, certain models are still known for excellent fuel economy.
If you are about to buy a vehicle, it makes sense to consider a pre-owned option. Not only is this often the smart financial choice, but it also goes a long way to helping us look after the planet. Additionally, with the support of an organisation like the AA, you are offered peace of mind that your eco-friendly choice is also a safe and reliable one for you and your family.