There are three main types of vehicle emissions: exhaust, evaporative, and crankcase. Exhaust emissions are produced during fuel combustion and include carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. Evaporative emissions occur when gasoline vapors escape into the air through fuel evaporation processes like refueling, engine heating, and the hot soak period after the vehicle is turned off. Crankcase emissions leak from the gap between the cylinder and piston ring and contain blowby gases mixed with oil. Devices to control emissions include catalytic converters, which convert toxic gases into harmless gases, exhaust gas recirculation systems, which lower combustion temperatures to reduce nitrogen oxide formation, and positive crankcase ventilation systems.
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