Overview
Your car’s emission system keeps the engine running cleanly and efficiently in all sorts of operating conditions. If your car’s engine isn’t performing up to par or the “Check Engine” light comes on, have it inspected immediately. Failure to do so can reduce your mileage per gallon of fuel or cause your vehicle to pollute.
What Does It Do?
Your car’s emission system controls the emissions, exhaust and pollutants using an array of sensors, computerized engine controls and the exhaust components. The emission system substantially reduces harmful gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbons (HC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and prevents harmful gasoline vapors from escaping the fuel tank.
Typical Wear and Tear
Some factors affecting the emission system include:
- Driving and atmospheric conditions
- Mileage
- Vehicle age
- Type of spark plug electrode material
- Maintenance history
- Poor spark
- Bad fuel
- Damaged or worn sensors
Your car’s emission system consists of:
- Catalytic converter and exhaust components
- EGR valve and related components
- PCV valve
- Evaporative system
- Oxygen sensor
- Sensors
- Gas cap
