Conceptualizing Automobile Emission Control System: A Key to Achieving Sustainable Automotive Repair Practices and Reducing Vehicle Air Pollution in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

This chapter conceptualizes automobile emission control system for service technicians in Sub-Saharan Africa with a view to improving the maintenance of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles that use fossil fuel. This is to make them cleaner and more fuel-efficient, thereby reducing vehicle air pollution in the continent. This aligns with sustainable development goals (SDG 11), “sustainable cities and communities,” and SDG (13), “climate action,” and also supports national development plans in many countries. These concerns have been the reasons behind many technological developments in automotive vehicles, such as the integration of onboard diagnostics (OBD) systems, electronic fuel injection, engine management systems, and many other emission reduction technologies. However, in Sub-Saharan Africa, the automobile emission control system has not been given the care it deserves. Most automotive services technicians in the continent embark on unprofessional practices in handling emission-related concerns and maintenance of the emission control system, which alters the precision of some components, resulting in more emissions. This chapter, therefore explains in clear terms the automobile emission control system and also highlights relevant competencies for automotive service technicians with a view to reducing vehicle air pollution through effective maintenance of the prevalent ICE vehicles in Sub-Saharan Africa.