Glossary / General

hydrocarbons

8 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

Hydrocarbons are chemicals that come from fuel and can be found in car exhaust. If there are too many hydrocarbons, it means the car isn't burning fuel completely, which can be bad for the environment.

Technical Definition

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds made up of hydrogen and carbon, commonly found in fuels and emissions from vehicles. High levels of hydrocarbons in exhaust can indicate incomplete combustion, which can lead to increased pollution and engine inefficiency.

Hear It Discussed

"you're spewing out hydrocarbons, and that's the emission. Okay. What the Zinger has is"
Why Jay Leno Will NEVER Stop Buying Cars Spike's Car Radio 28:51

"he said, wait, NOx and hydrocarbons can't be. [974.6s] He was like, he looked at me and he said,"
Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott Guess Collector Car Auction Prices! — The Carmudgeon Show Ep. 243 The Carmudgeon Show 16:11

"[2217.7s] counters are pretty tight in that engine so you're getting less hydrocarbons past the piston rings [2223.5s] into the oil to get the oil dirty but you're still getting it in there"
Talking About Car Repair on this Live Call In Car Talk Show Under The Hood show 37:00