The most popular vehicle in the world is the car, their number is constantly increasing. Older cars are being replaced by improved models, and new car designs and systems are being developed and implemented. Areas of improving the design of the car, in addition to improving safety, fuel economy and comfort, include improving environmental safety, as the car is a source of environmental pollution. Internal combustion engines are the main source of man-made air pollution. The operation of the internal combustion engine is accompanied by the formation of emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which is the cause of acid precipitation. Smog and the greenhouse effect due to hydrocarbon emissions are inevitable, and solid dust and soot particles cause weather changes (cold, fog and rain). All these factors, together with industrial emissions, are leading to global climate change. Fuel evaporation, crankcase and exhaust gases are among the main phenomena of harmful effects of the internal combustion engine on the environment and account for up to 78%. This article highlights the problem of soot formation in the soot filters of the car exhaust system. Groups of chemical elements that are part of exhaust gases are considered. The existing directions of reducing the toxicity of exhaust gases are analyzed. The influence of different types of fuel on the toxicity of exhaust gases and soot formation is determined. The principle of soot filter operation during filtration and regeneration is described. Types of regeneration and the principle of their action are described. Smoke of soot filters at different mileage was studied. The principle of using the Infracar D smoke meter is described. An experimental study of ultrasonic soot filter cleaning was performed. Based on the information received, conclusions are drawn.