Summary
– Exhaust fumes in the cabin: causes and solutions
– Maintain your vehicle properly to avoid exhaust fumes
An exhaust smell in the cabin is neither pleasant nor normal. Let’s take a look at the solutions to avoid this type of discomfort. Let’s also find out what to do about it when it persists.
Exhaust odour in the cabin: causes and solutions
An exhaust smell in the cabin is often a sign of a faulty exhaust system. This can affect the operation of the exhaust system, but also the health of the vehicle’s occupants. It can be caused by a variety of factors.
Particulate filter malfunction
The particulate filter is a filtering device whose role is to retain the particles contained in the combustion gases. Note that these are soot particles composed of carbon. This filter is frequently installed on diesel engine exhausts. The particles are harmful to humans because they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, most often resulting in nausea. They are also dangerous for the environment.
A smell of exhaust fumes can be released into the passenger compartment when the particle filter is clogged. Therefore, it is important to be vigilant when you notice this symptom by not using the vehicle in question until it has been serviced.
Good to know: the best solution is to replace the particulate filter, as its malfunction may compromise peripheral components, such as the turbo and the catalytic converter.
Gas leaks
These leaks can occur in the exhaust manifold, which can cause a gas odour inside the cabin. The exhaust manifold is made up of metal pipes. It is located on most multi-cylinder engines to improve performance while reducing exhaust noise. The engine’s combustion systematically leads to high cylinder temperatures, which can cause the gasket to crack, resulting in an exhaust leak that can be felt from the passenger compartment.
From the vehicle in front of us
The vehicle in front of us may emit exhaust fumes that can be perceived from the passenger compartment. This smell is generally perceived in traffic jams, at each acceleration and each stop of the vehicle that we follow. This symptom may be due to its defective anti-pollution system. It is advisable to close the ventilation as long as you are following the polluting vehicle, then to open the windows and the ventilation grilles as soon as the risks of emanations have disappeared.
Good to know: if the symptom comes from your vehicle, it is strongly recommended that you go to a garage quickly so that he can detect the origin of the exhaust odour in the passenger compartment and remedy the problem.
Maintain your vehicle properly to avoid exhaust odours
Regularly checking the exhaust system and the particle filter will limit the risk of gas odours. This check must be carried out at each maintenance visit of the vehicle. The frequency is recommended by the manufacturer.
Good to know: in order to respect the environment and current legislation on public health, it is important not to neglect the maintenance of your vehicle. A diagnosis is essential to repair the slightest malfunction. Do not hesitate, if necessary, to have an engine adjustment performed by a professional.
Read more:
– Exhaust Manifold Gasket: Maintenance and Replacement;
– What Is the Role of Your Car Exhaust System;
– What Is the Function of the Exhaust Catalyst;
– The Solution to Combat Engine Fouling
– Why Will You Remove the Catalyst Converter?
– Why Perform a Car Diagnostic?
