What is the function of a car's carbon canister?

[Amara]

The function of a car's carbon canister is: At normal temperatures, the fuel tank produces vapor. The fuel evaporation emission system directs this vapor into the combustion process to prevent it from evaporating into the atmosphere, thereby reducing air pollution. The activated carbon canister storage device plays a crucial role in this process. The carbon canister is also part of the gasoline evaporation control system, designed to prevent fuel vapor from entering the atmosphere when the car engine is turned off. Since activated carbon has adsorption capabilities, when the car is running or turned off, gasoline vapor from the fuel tank enters the upper part of the activated carbon canister through pipes, while fresh air enters the lower part of the activated carbon canister.

[Lawson]

The vehicle's charcoal canister plays a crucial role in the fuel system, primarily functioning to capture hydrocarbon vapors generated by fuel evaporation in the gas tank, preventing them from escaping into the atmosphere and causing environmental pollution. When the car is parked or refueling, gasoline tends to vaporize, and these vapors are collected and adsorbed by the activated carbon layer within the canister. Once the vehicle is started and running, the engine draws in these vapors through a valve system and burns them, converting them into harmless exhaust emissions. This not only reduces the release of harmful substances but also helps improve fuel efficiency and prevents fuel wastage. Additionally, if the charcoal canister becomes clogged or the valves malfunction, you might notice a strong gasoline odor near the fuel filler neck, the dashboard emission warning light may illuminate, or even cause starting difficulties. Therefore, it's essential to inspect the charcoal canister's condition during regular vehicle maintenance—ensuring connections are clear and replacing worn components to maintain smooth operation of the overall system. This practice helps sustain vehicle performance and reduces repair costs.