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What are the main components of motor vehicle exhaust?

The main components of motor vehicle exhaust are nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water. Smaller amounts of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, aldehydes, and other products of incomplete combustion (burning) are also present. The worst air pollutants, in order of amount produced, are carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons.

Source: Concise Encyclopedia of Chemistry, p. 394.

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