Fix It

If there is ever a strong smell of engine exhaust in the vehicle, it means there is an exhaust leak somewhere toward the front side of the vehicle. It is imperative to have the exhaust fixed immediately as engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which will poison you. If the vehicle must be driven, drive with all windows down and the heating/air conditioning turned off to limit your exposure to the noxious fumes. There are several places exhaust fumes could leak from that would find their way into the cabin.

Exhaust Manifolds

With the engine running, check the exhaust manifolds for any leaks (remember exhaust is very hot and will burn you so do not touch it until the engine has completely cooled). Potentially, there could be leaks between the exhaust manifold and the cylinder head, or the exhaust manifold and the exhaust down pipe. If leaks are found, replace the leaking gasket. Inspect the exhaust manifold for extreme corrosion; in rare cases, exhaust manifolds have been known to corrode and may need to be replaced altogether.

EGR Valve

The exhaust gas recirculation valve directs exhaust back into the intake manifold. If the EGR valve gasket has failed, it will begin to leak exhaust gas, which may find its way into the cabin. Check around the EGR valve for any gasket leak, as well as the piping leading to the EGR valve for any corrosion or damage.

Catalytic Converter and Gasket

If the catalytic converter becomes plugged, it will create intense back pressure that can cause the mating gasket between the exhaust pipe and the catalytic converter to fail and leak exhaust fumes. Even from under the car, these noxious fumes can make their way into the vehicle cabin. Check for any exhaust leaks around the mounting point between the exhaust pipe and catalytic converter.

Leaking Exhaust Pipes

Over time, exhaust pipes can corrode and develop rust holes, especially in states that use salt for ice and snow control in the winter. Visually inspect all pipe from the engine back for any extreme corrosion or damage from other road conditions and replace as necessary.

Repairing a car dent can be costly, depending on the make and model of the car, the age of the car and the level of damage. Knowing how to fix this problem yourself empowers you to save time and money.

Instructions

1

Inspect the dent and the surrounding area. Mark the central area of the dent, which is the deepest point of the indentation. The central area is located in the center of the upper and lower portion of the undented area.

2

Mix detergent in a container of water. Once the detergent has been mixed properly, immerse the sponge. Leave the sponge in for about 20 seconds, then rub it over the dented area as thoroughly as possible.

3

Rinse the dented area with water, and completely remove the applied detergent. Once you have rinsed the area thoroughly, apply the sponge, and remove any remaining signs of detergent. All grime or dirt must be removed from the dented area.

4

Immerse the bottom portion of the dent-puller suction cup in water. Once it is wet, apply it to the middle of the central area, which you previously marked.

5

Turn on the heat gun, and set the temperature to high. Apply the gun to the edges of the dented area. Do this thoroughly for about 45-60 seconds, until you have covered the entire outer region of the indentation. Immediately after removing the gun, use the dent puller to yank out the dent, and bring the metallic portion back to its normal state.

California requires all vehicles produced after 1976, or that have been in operation for longer than six years, to have a smog check. The only vehicles exempt from the smog check requirement are select hybrid vehicles, two-wheel motorcycles, diesel vehicles produced before 1997, vehicles with two or fewer cylinders, and engines under 819c. If a vehicle does not pass a smog check and still needs to be registered, the following requirements will need to be met in order to qualify for a one-time, two-year extension, smog check waiver.

Smog Check Failure

A vehicles must have failed a routine, biennial smog check conducted at an authorized smog check location. Authorized smog check locations include car dealerships, gas stations and car repair shops. All authorized smog check locations will display a blue banner with a large red check mark and the words "Smog check" written across the banner.

Registration

The vehicle must have been registered for operation in the state of California for at least two years prior to failing the smog check. This ensures the vehicle was either exempt from a smog check in the past or it had passed a smog check prior to failing the most recent test.

Intact Emissions System

There should be absolutely no signs of tampering on the vehicles emissions control system. The system must be in its original and approved state from its initial installation. Tampering with the system includes improper repairs and removal of parts.

Costly Repair

The vehicle in question must need at least $450 worth of repairs in order to make it pass the smog check. There must be written document from an authorized smog check location detailing the cost estimate and diagnosis of the repairs needed for the vehicle to pass the smog check.

CAP Program

The owner of the vehicle must qualify for the CAP program in order to prove the repairs to the vehicle are an income burden. The CAP program is the Consumer Assistance Program designed to provide financial assistance towards emissions-related repairs to those who qualify. Qualified applicants will need to prove they have a low income level and have not done any repairs to the car prior to applying for the program. The program will provide assistance up to $500.