Corrosion of Vehicle Components and Clutch Wear
Other non-exhaust emissions include clutch wear, corrosion of vehicle parts and shed loads.
Emissions can also be produced from fuels and lubricating oils lost by motor vehicles during operation; leakages of brake fluids; antifreeze; greases; transmission boxes; lubricating oils; motor oil; and corrosion-preventing agents. Mechanical stress on vehicle catalytic converters can lead to the release of heavy metals such as platinum, rhodium and palladium into the atmosphere. General wear and tear of vehicle parts such as wheel bearing and chips from paint work may also contribute to particles within the atmosphere.
The clutch allows a smooth transfer of power from the transmission when changing gear or when moving the car away from standstill. The clutch friction disc slides along the gear box shaft to absorb the transmission shocks and help provide power to the engine when the clutch is engaged. This friction causes the release of particles similar to brake wear emissions as the friction materials used within the clutch pad are thought to be similar to those used within brake pads. However there has been little research in the area of clutch wear and the emissions arising from it. More research is needed to determine how these emissions affect atmospheric particle concentrations.
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