Thermal windows and the car emissions scandal

Many people will have seen the countless headlines surrounding the car emissions scandal, but it can be difficult to understand exactly what methods car manufacturers might have used to cheat emissions tests. It has been suggested that some carmakers have allegedly exploited so-called ‘thermal windows’ which could allow vehicles to still produce what could be deemed as excessive nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

If such accusations are proven to be true, it may be that many diesel vehicles have been producing significant volumes of harmful emissions. Regardless of the exact method used, any suspicions of emissions cheating should be addressed.

Following the High Court ruling that Volkswagen has been using defeat devices in certain diesel vehicles, we have started group actions against other suspected car manufacturers over similar allegations. Those who own or have previously owned affected vehicles may be entitled to recover thousands of pounds in compensation.

What are thermal windows?

As mentioned above, there are a few methods that have been linked to alleged emissions test cheating, one of which is the thermal windows method. The term describes a period during which carmakers can be allowed to dial back emissions management systems in their vehicles in order to prevent a build-up of condensation inside the engine.

To a certain extent, car manufacturers can be allowed to use thermal windows in order to prevent internal rust and catalyst failure, but a problem arises if any are abusing this allowance. This is because restraining emissions management systems could cause more NOx emissions to be released in car exhaust fumes.

The alleged abuse of a so-called “thermal window loophole” was reportedly identified by the KBA, the German car regulator, which tested 53 different vehicles from manufacturers including Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche in 2016. While Volkswagen was associated with using defeat device software to potentially identify when a vehicle is undergoing testing, other carmakers have been associated with alleged thermal window methods.

Our emissions group actions

In our emissions group actions, we are looking to pursue investigations into any alleged misuse of thermal windows, along with other instances of alleged excessive emissions production. We believe that millions of UK car owners could be entitled to thousands, or even tens of thousands, of pounds in compensation if they own or have previously owned a vehicle that could be cheating emissions testing.

We can bring claims on the basis that consumer rights may have been breached, as manufacturers and dealerships may have been misleading customers into thinking that their cars were safe and legal to drive. If they have been producing excessive NOx emissions then some cars could, in reality, have been contributing to harmful pollution, which is capable of damaging the environment and human health.

Making a compensation claim

Anyone affected by the car emissions scandals may be eligible to recover significant compensation pay-outs from manufacturers. NOx emissions have been associated with thousands of premature deaths across the world, so it is vital that any cases of alleged emissions cheating are accounted for.

As specialists in car emissions and group actions, we were the first firm to take claims against Volkswagen to the High Court in England and Wales. We are determined to see that any suspected car manufacturers are investigated and held to account if they have been breaking the law.

For eligible clients, we are able to take claims forward on a No Win, No Fee basis, so you have nothing to lose by registering to claim here.