Guest Writer: Brian Turner

Toxic Risks in Tuner Cars

Tuner cars represent the beast of all modified cars with enhanced engines, upgraded suspension and turbocharged speed for the racing enthusiast. These cars are specially designed by knowledgeable automotive experts to glean peak performance. A regular coupe, sedan or utility vehicle can be transformed into a mighty machine by a skilled mechanical genius. The end result of a suped-up tuner car is an adrenaline-pumping monster machine that has visual appeal and an engine roar.

Gifted mechanics involved in the transformation of regular cars into the turbo-beast tuner are at a high risk for exposure to toxic substances. Specifically, the substances benzene and asbestos are used in the enhancement parts of tuner cars. Benzene is a virtually colorless yet flammable liquid used in trace amounts in the production of rubber, plastic or lubricants for the car parts. When heated, benzene emits a toxin that cannot only pollute the air but also your lungs. Overexposure to benzene also causes cancer to humans, particularly mesothelioma and cancer of the blood-forming organs in the body. Asbestos, a group of mineral fibers that are resistant to heat, fire and chemicals are used in the production of some car parts, including brake pads and clutch plates. When asbestos is heated, tiny particle molecules are emitted through the air and can enter the lungs. Asbestos is equally hazardous to health as benzene when overexposure occurs.

Although the standard car might not contain mass amounts of toxic chemicals, the tuner car, being enhanced with high-performance parts, might be subject to emitting the toxic byproducts of chemicals like benzene and asbestos. Those most at risk for regular exposure to the harmful substances are mechanics and consumers of tuner cars. This is particularly the case if the ventilation system of the tuner car has been modified in any way. Part of the modification process is removal of the insulating pieces of the exhaust, which would normally make the sound of the car less noticeable. However, tuner cars are known for performance, visual appeal and raging sounds heard miles down the block. The consequence of such sounds is the risk of removing the protective elements of the car parts that prevent benzene vapors from polluting the air at high rates.

Heed caution in building or using modified cars like the tuner car. Unless you know the exact specifications of each modified part, there is no telling the amount of toxins you might get subjected to from the tuner car.

—

Note from the Editor:

Personally want to thank brian for the great and helpful article. Remember this is your hobby folks, if you want to share your thoughts, or have info like this to share with others around the world, contact us today! And we’ll post it!

Hobby. Passion. Lifestyle.