The smell of exhaust gases in the cabin: causes and remedies

Do you smell unusual exhaust fumes inside your car? Have you checked everything and didn't come from outside? In this article, we explain the various possible causes of this smell and how to identify them!

🚗 How can you be sure that this smell is coming from your car?

The first thing to do is make sure your machine is the cause. Indeed, if you notice a smell in a traffic jam or on a rather busy road, it may not come from you. You may be chasing a car with a bad exhaust system or a mechanical problem.

Try to spot a car in front, close your windows, then pass or change lanes. If the smell does not disappear after a few minutes, it means that it is coming from your vehicle.

?? What are the problems with the particulate filter (DPF)?

DPF is used to trap the smallest particles generated during fuel combustion. But if it fails, it can release more particles than usual. In this case, you will have to clean the particulate filter or even replace it completely.

To clean the particulate filter, all you have to do is drive the highway for about twenty kilometers, increasing the engine speed of your car to 3 rpm, this will raise the temperature of the engine and this heat will burn the soot on it. FAP.

Good to know : cars equipped FAP sometimes have a special fluid reservoir, often called AdBlue... This liquid is injected into catalyst A type SCR to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx). A little Chinese? Just remember to refill it regularly, usually every 10-20 kilometers or every year.

🇧🇷 What to do if the outlet gasket or manifold is leaking?

This gas smell can be caused by a leak in the exhaust gasket or manifold. The manifold is a large pipe connected on one side to your engine's cylinders and on the other to the exhaust line. As the name suggests, it is used to collect gases coming out of your engine in order to direct them to the exhaust pipe.

There are gaskets at each end of the manifold and various components of the exhaust line to ensure that the system is sealed. But under the influence of heat, gas pressure and time, they deteriorate.

If you notice wear on the seals, there are two possibilities:

• if cracks are minimal, you can apply a joint compound,
• if the cracks are too large, we advise you to contact a professional.

If, after you have carried out this repair yourself, the smell of gas is still present, you must go through the garage box. You can make an appointment with one of our Reliable mechanic who can diagnose the cause of the problem.

🔧 How to avoid exhaust fumes smell?

Exhaust system maintenance should be done during a major overhaul, which we recommend at least once a year and, if possible, before every major departure.

The exhaust odor may be simply due to a clogged particulate filter. This happens when you are mostly using your car in the city, as city driving does not give you high enough engine rpm. Our tip: Take a few motorway trips from time to time to clean the particulate filter.

There is also descaling that removes carbon deposits from the EGR valve, turbocharger, valve and of course the DPF.

If you need more than just a scrub, we recommend you go to a mechanic because exhaust is a professional job.

Exhaust, which gives off odors, gives off toxic gases. Therefore, first of all, it is a matter of the health of you, your passengers and even pedestrians. So, not pay a fine from one hundred euros during an anti-pollution police check or fail at the next check. technical controlwhy not invest this amount in a garage for a complete renovation?