What does it mean when a new car is caught with excessive exhaust emissions?
2 Answers
It could be an issue with the detection equipment or a problem with the car itself. Generally, new cars do not suffer from carbon buildup. You can use a diagnostic tool to check if there are any faults with the catalytic converter or oxygen sensor. Below are the common reasons for excessive vehicle exhaust emissions: 1. Vehicle aging: If the car has been driven over 450,000 kilometers or used for more than 15 years, various components may show significant wear, poor contact, poor sealing, or insufficient pressure. 2. Engine malfunction: The engine may have issues such as misfiring, spark plug oil leakage, or oil mixing.
I've encountered this situation before, likely due to the new car's emission system not being fully broken in. The catalytic converter or oxygen sensors need to run for a few hundred kilometers after leaving the factory to activate; using low-grade fuel or poor-quality gasoline can cause carbon buildup affecting combustion. Sometimes the OBD system fails to detect issues; restricted exhaust flow during the new car break-in period is also a common reason. Don't panic if caught exceeding standards - immediately return to the 4S shop for comprehensive ECU data and emission component checks, otherwise you may face penalty points, fines, or warranty impacts. Repairs are free during warranty; post-warranty requires self-paid parts replacement. Regularly using cleaner fuel and highway driving helps activate the system, maintaining vehicle health for worry-free driving.
