Are thermal windows being abused to cheat emissions?

Right now, there are lots of questions being asked of multiple carmakers as to whether so-called “thermal windows” are being used as a loophole to cheat emissions regulations.

The idea that carmakers could be so brazen as to cheat emissions regulations first came into the limelight in 2015 when the original Volkswagen “dieselgate” scandal hit the headlines. Over the last six years, dozens more vehicle manufacturers have been scrutinised and have faced similar allegations of cheating.

Whilst carmakers strongly deny that they have done anything wrong, there is evidence that could suggest not all is above board. Your Lawyers – The Car Emissions Lawyers – as pioneers of High Court action against VW in 2016, has vowed to leave no stone unturned in efforts to get to the bottom of the allegations made. As part of our legal actions where we represent thousands of people for emissions compensation claims, we are looking into whether thermal windows are being abused.

About thermal windows

Thermal windows are alleged to be one of the ways in which some carmakers could be cheating emissions tests. This could be allowing vehicles to emit far more dangerous pollutants than they should be doing, although the line between whether it is illegal or not can be a fine one. They can be used for legitimate reasons to prevent damage and wear to a vehicle, such as stopping rust and component failure. Thermal windows deployed for legitimate purposes does not mean that a vehicle is fitted with what could be defined as a “defeat device”, and it can be an entirely acceptable practice.

But if they are used as a mask to cheat emissions testing, this is where the illegalities can arise. They can essentially dial back emissions reduction technology for the purposes of protecting a vehicle, but if they are abused, this is where action needs to be taken.

Are they being abused?

Many carmakers are facing allegations of breaching emissions regulations and cheating testing in order to allow vehicles to be roadworthy whilst polluting more than they should. Some, like VW, have been found to have fitted technology to vehicles that can amount to a “defeat device”.

But the matter of thermal windows and whether they are perhaps being abused is being closely looked into. Some carmakers are facing additional allegations that this is how they have been able to allegedly cheat emissions testing. Although carmakers deny any wrongdoing, German Regulators, the KBA, have been looking into alleged abuse of them for a while. They reportedly tested 53 different vehicles from manufacturers that included VW vehicles in 2016 and are said to have identified a so-called “thermal window loophole”.

If any carmaker is using such windows to cheat emissions testing, we will hold them to account.

Claim emissions compensation now

Now, in 2021, we are representing thousands of people who are pursuing emissions compensation claims against dozens of vehicles manufacturers. This all started with the 2015 “dieselgate” revelations that affected VW, but we are now taking on cases against BMW, Mercedes, Nissan, Renault, and more.

To find out if you could be eligible to pursue an emissions compensation case on a No Win, No Fee basis, you can check your eligibility here. If you are eligible to join one of our emissions actions, we may be able to represent you for a legal case.

Get your No Win, No Fee emissions compensation claim started here now.