The abundance of vehicles we witness as we travel the roadways of our bright nation is proof of India’s expanding automobile sector. These vehicles do, however, pose some environmental difficulties despite being necessary. The environmental impact of automobile repair and maintenance is one facet of these difficulties that is frequently disregarded. Green technology is bringing about a new era of sustainable practices in the modern world by minimising pollution, decreasing waste, and preserving resources. What precisely is green technology then? In a nutshell, “green technology” refers to procedures, approaches, and resources that are sustainable and kind to the environment. In the context of auto repair and maintenance, this means adopting practices that limit waste and pollution, utilising non-toxic, biodegradable, and recycled materials whenever possible, and investing in energy-efficient equipment. An important but little-discussed source of environmental effect is car maintenance and repair. Traditional auto maintenance techniques can produce a lot of waste and pollutants. For instance, one of the most frequent auto maintenance procedures, changing the oil, can produce up to four litres of waste oil. This can amount to millions of litres of waste oil every year, with India being the fourth-largest auto market in the world. Green technology, on the other hand, allows us to lessen this environmental impact. By using green methods and materials in car repair and maintenance, we can contribute to a more sustainable future.
The world of green technologies in auto repair and maintenance will be explored in the sections that follow. We will discuss the many technologies currently in use, their advantages, and the challenges we have adopting them widely. We will examine how these technologies are altering the nature of vehicle maintenance in India and paving the road for a greener and more sustainable automotive sector, from bioremediating parts washers to eco-friendly lubricants and paints.
The Green Shift in Car Repair and Maintenance
As the twenty-first century progresses, protecting the environment is being prioritised more and more everywhere, including India. Our attitude to auto repair and maintenance is changing significantly as the idea of “green garages” gains traction. But why the change to a greener lifestyle, and how is India adopting it?
Historically, automotive repair and maintenance practices produced a lot of trash and involved the use of hazardous chemicals. Conventional practices frequently overlooked their effects on the environment, from improperly disposing of waste oil to utilising parts washers with harmful solvents. This, together with the country’s expanding vehicle industry, meant India was racking up a large environmental debt.
As the scope of the issue became clear, the Indian auto sector started to explore more environmentally friendly options. The shift was a lengthy process affected by legislation, technological developments, and greater environmental awareness among the general population; it did not occur suddenly.
Garages were pushed to adopt more responsible disposal methods by government rules including the “Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules” and the “Automotive Industry Standards” for end-of-life cars. In addition, India’s pledge to cut its greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 33–55% by 2030 as part of the Paris Climate Agreement provided additional motivation.
Technology improvements were equally significant. For instance, the creation of eco-friendly lubricants, bioremediating parts washers, and water-based paints allowed garages to lessen their environmental impact without sacrificing the quality of their services.
Consumers also developed a greater awareness of environmental issues. Many garages decided to go green in order to comply with government regulations as well as to draw in consumers as a result of the increased demand for environmentally friendly services and awareness.
Green garages are becoming more common in India and are a part of a growing trend. These garages understand that sustainability and profitability do not have to be antagonistic to one another. By implementing green technologies, they not only lessen their environmental effect but also set themselves apart in a crowded market, enhance their reputation, and frequently realise long-term cost benefits.
We will go into the specifics of green technology utilised in auto repair and maintenance in the upcoming sections, and we will also look at how these developments are paving the way for a more sustainable future for the Indian auto sector.
Specific Green Technologies in Car Repair
Let us familiarise ourselves with the green technologies that are revolutionising this sector of the automotive industry in India as we travel along the path of sustainable car maintenance and repair. Each technology has a specific function in enhancing the sustainability and environmental friendliness of auto maintenance. (Fig 1)
Parts Washing: Historically, hazardous solvents that were bad for the environment and the health of the workers were utilised by parts washers. Aqueous or bioremediating parts washers are currently being used in Indian garages more and more. These cutting-edge devices dissolve grease and oil using microorganisms or water-based solutions. They help garages cut costs associated with disposing of hazardous material in addition to significantly reducing toxic waste. Additionally, they help to create a workplace that is safer and healthier.
Oil Change and Fluids: One of the most frequent auto maintenance procedures is an oil change, which can result in up to four litres of waste oil per change. Numerous Indian garages are beginning to employ environmentally friendly lubricants made from plant oils in an effort to solve this problem. These bio-lubricants provide superior lubrication and a longer service life in addition to being biodegradable, which reduces environmental contamination. They additionally assure efficient waste oil disposal and recycling, significantly reducing the environmental impact.
Painting: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) have a bad reputation for being released into the atmosphere during traditional automotive painting techniques. Many Indian auto repair shops have started using water-borne paints and High-Volume, Low-Pressure (HVLP) sprayers to help solve this problem. Compared to their solvent-based equivalents, water-borne paints contain much less Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Contrarily, HVLP spray guns ensure that a greater proportion of paint reaches the car’s surface, minimising overspray, and waste.
Tire Services: Another crucial area where green technology is having an impact is tyre services. Numerous tyre businesses are starting to use retreading, which involves giving worn tyres a fresh tread. By extending tyre life, it not only saves resources but also considerably decreases waste because fewer tyres wind up in landfills. Furthermore, the advent of Low Rolling Resistance (LRR) tires is another significant development in this field. LRR tires are constructed using advanced technologies and specialised rubber compounds that minimise rolling resistance. The primary goal is to decrease the energy lost through heat generation and internal friction, allowing the vehicle to move more easily and efficiently.
Battery Services: Battery services are becoming a crucial component of vehicle maintenance in India due to the country’s growing use of electric cars (EVs). Indian businesses like Attero and RenewX are leading the way in recycling and reusing EV batteries, which is lowering electronic waste and improving the sustainability of the EV industry. These methods assist conserve resources and have a smaller negative impact on the environment by recovering precious elements for reuse or repairing batteries for a second life.
These innovations show the inventive and various ways that green technology is transforming the auto maintenance and repair sector. They are assisting in creating a more sustainable future for the Indian vehicle industry by lowering waste, saving resources, and minimising pollution. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the benefits and challenges associated with these green technologies, and how these are changing the face of car repair in India.
Benefits of Green Technologies in Car Repair and Maintenance
Beyond lowering our environmental impact, using green solutions for auto repair and maintenance has many other advantages. In fact, they provide a number of benefits that touch on societal well-being, health and safety, and economic efficiency. Let us investigate these advantages, paying particular attention to the Indian context. (Fig 2:)
Environmental Benefits: The huge reduction in environmental effect is the most obvious benefit. Garages may significantly reduce hazardous waste and greenhouse gas emissions by applying green practices. For instance, the use of HVLP spray guns with water-borne paints reduces VOC emissions, while the use of bio-lubricants lowers soil and water contamination. These tiny actions add up to a healthier environment as India struggles with serious air and water pollution problems.
Economic Benefits: Contrary to popular assumption, using green technologies can ultimately result in cost savings. Although the original investment may be larger, the lower operational costs frequently offset this expenditure. For instance, bioremediating parts washers can save the cost of disposing of hazardous waste. Also, by using bio-lubricants and LRR tires, garages can help customers save on fuel costs, providing a value-added service that can attract eco-conscious consumers.
Health Benefits: Green technology also improve the working conditions for garage employees, making them safer and healthier. Traditional auto maintenance and repair include exposure to hazardous materials that offer significant health concerns. Garages can protect their staff’s health by switching to eco-friendly alternatives like water-based paints and aqueous parts washers. Improved productivity and lower healthcare expenses may follow from this.
Societal Benefits: On a larger scale, the transition to green car repair and maintenance can support the development of skills and lead to a greener economy by generating ‘green collar’ jobs. For India, a nation attempting to balance rapid economic growth with environmental sustainability, this is especially important. Green garages can also improve public health by reducing air and water pollution, contributing to a higher quality of life for communities.
The advantages of using green technologies for auto repair and maintenance are numerous and obvious. As more garages in India adopt these technologies, they will not only help to address our environmental problems but also foster a more equitable and sustainable economy.
Challenges in Adopting Green Technologies
While green technologies offer tremendous benefits, their adoption in the car repair and maintenance industry is not without challenges. From high initial costs to a lack of awareness and regulatory support, various barriers can hinder the transition to greener practices. Let us discuss these challenges in the Indian context, and explore potential solutions. (Fig 3)
High Initial Costs: One of the most significant barriers is the high initial cost of green technologies. Whether it is investing in a bioremediating parts washer or switching to eco-friendly lubricants and paints, the upfront costs can be daunting for many garage owners. However, as previously discussed, these investments often lead to cost savings in the long run. Providing financial incentives, such as low-interest loans or grants, can help overcome this hurdle.
Lack of Awareness: Many garage owners and workers are unaware of the environmental impact of traditional practices or the benefits of green alternatives. Public awareness campaigns, education, and training can help bridge this knowledge gap. Moreover, showcasing success stories of green garages can inspire others to follow suit.
Regulatory Support: While India has made strides in environmental legislation, there’s still room for improvement in terms of regulations specific to the car repair and maintenance industry. More robust regulations can help enforce responsible disposal practices and incentivise the adoption of green technologies. Additionally, establishing standards for green garages can help consumers identify and choose environmentally responsible services.
Availability of Green Products: Limited availability of green products, such as water-borne paints and bio-lubricants, can pose another challenge. Encouraging domestic production of these products can not only increase their accessibility but also contribute to local economies.
Consumer Demand: While consumer demand for green services is growing, it is not yet mainstream. Engaging consumers through awareness campaigns about the environmental impact of car maintenance and the benefits of choosing green garages can help stimulate demand.
Overcoming these challenges will require concerted efforts from various stakeholders, including garage owners, government bodies, industry associations, and consumers. Through a combination of financial incentives, education, robust regulations, and consumer engagement, we can pave the way for widespread adoption of green technologies in car repair and maintenance, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for India’s automobile industry.
Sustainable Car Maintenance Revolution: Green Salute’s Case Study
Due to the ongoing rise in the number of vehicles and the ensuing demand for cleaning, Pune, a busy city in India, experienced a severe water shortage. Around 270–300 crore litres of water were thought to be wasted annually cleaning privately owned vehicles. This problem got worse throughout successive droughts, which made the water scarcity worse.
Introducing the breakthrough project Green Salute by Akshay and Ninad Dhok, brothers. They had the idea of bringing this environmentally friendly remedy to India after being inspired by waterless car cleaning techniques used in drought-stricken California. They set out to replace the widely used, water-wasting, and harmful to the exteriors of the automobiles (owing to dirt and grit in the recycled water) traditional techniques of car cleaning.
A waterless car care service was created as a result of their research, which not only reduced water waste but also produced better outcomes. They developed a waterless cleaning agent that trapped dirt particles and made it simple to remove them from the car’s surfaces using microfiber towels to leave a spotless finish.
Green Salute began offering their services at affordable pricing after a fruitful pilot project in Pune that demonstrated real advantages for communities, businesses, and individuals. The initial reluctance eventually became a 56% conversion rate. Green Salute was able to save 16,000 litres of water in their first three months with a 100% customer retention rate.
The business also wanted to broaden its commitment to environmental protection with programmes including “Salute Water,” the use of electric vehicles for cleaners’ daily commutes, and its promise to plant a tree for each new customer.
Green Salute created a precedent in a sector that has historically been noted for its wasteful practices by revolutionising sustainable car care in India with their creative, environmentally friendly approach to car washing. Their success demonstrates the value of combining sustainability with necessary services and opens the door for more environmentally friendly inventions.
Future of Green Technologies in Car Repair and Maintenance
Green technology will undoubtedly become more important as we move forward, especially in the auto repair and maintenance sector. A bright future for this sector in India is painted by the desire for sustainability, regulatory changes, and improvements in green technologies. Let us examine some important predictions and trends.
Increased Adoption of Green Practices: The use of green technologies in auto repair and maintenance is anticipated to increase dramatically as customers’ and businesses’ environmental consciousness grows. Garages all over India are set to adopt green practices and gain the related financial and environmental benefits, following in the footsteps of innovators like Green Salute.
Advancements in Green Technologies: We may anticipate more developments in green technologies as long as research and development are conducted. These developments are projected to increase the effectiveness, affordability, and accessibility of green technology for garages of all sizes. More efficient bioremediating parts washers and bio lubricants, as well as advances in low-VOC paints and recycling technology, could all be examples of innovations.
Greater Regulatory Support: We may anticipate more legislative support for eco-friendly practices in the auto repair and maintenance sector as India maintains its commitment to sustainability. To provide a more conducive atmosphere for the shift to environmentally friendly practices, this may involve stricter rules on waste disposal, rewards for implementing green technologies, and requirements for green garages.
Evolution of Electric Vehicle Maintenance: The auto repair and maintenance business in India must adapt as electric vehicle sales increase. Green technologies will lead this evolution, concentrating on the reuse and recycling of EV batteries and the environmentally friendly upkeep of electric drivetrains.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the future of green technologies in car repair and maintenance looks bright, offering a pathway to a more sustainable automobile industry in India. The journey may not be without challenges, but as we have seen, these challenges can be addressed through a combination of innovation, regulation, education, and perseverance. As garages across India embrace the green shift, they are not only contributing to environmental conservation but also driving towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Author
SAYANTAN MUKHERJEE
Academic Director
National Institute of Innovation and
Entrepreneurship Management
(NIIEM)
