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Smoke System by MODGuardian

Realistic Smoke Mod for American Truck Simulator

PM 389 Smoke adds responsive exhaust effects to 13 confirmed American Truck Simulator trucks. Realistic mode reads engine load and turbo pressure from the game, the smoke settles into the world behind the truck, and AI traffic and Convoy partners smoke too.

Created by Toni VolmaLast reviewed September 3, 2026

ATS 1.59+ Free to use 13 confirmed trucks AI traffic smoke Convoy multiplayer Custom-truck ready

Download the ATS smoke mod Installation guide

The truck mod and the free MODGuard plugin are both required. Works in single-player and in SCS Convoy sessions.

See the smoke react to real driving conditions. Watch on YouTube

What's new

September 3, 2026

Smoke on AI traffic, Convoy partners and a rebuilt Realistic model

AI traffic smokes. Traffic trucks that carry the smoke locator now emit exhaust based on what they are doing: pulling, shifting, braking or cruising.
Convoy multiplayer. Other players' trucks smoke in SCS Convoy sessions when everyone runs the latest MODGuard and PM 389 Smoke.
Realistic mode rebuilt. Smoke is now the fuel that finds no air to burn, with engine load and turbo pressure read from the game itself.
Smoke lives in the world. The trail is left behind on the road, pushed along the real exhaust direction and fading over its lifetime, instead of being dragged along with the truck.

Built for simulation

Smoke that follows the engine, not a timer

The plugin controls the game's own exhaust particles, one particle at a time. Your truck, every treated AI truck and every Convoy partner gets its own emission level for the current driving situation.

Default modelCtrl + Alt + T

Realistic mode

A diesel smokes when injected fuel finds no air to burn. The plugin reads the engine load and the turbo pressure from the game and emits smoke only from the excess. Pulling a loaded trailer uphill raises engine load and can produce a stronger exhaust effect. Lifting off the throttle or cruising under light load reduces it.

Puff after every gear change
Sustained smoke when lugging uphill in a high gear
Clean exhaust while cruising, coasting, engine braking or with the clutch in
Half the smoke when running without a trailer

AlternativeSession toggle

Classic mode

The previous throttle-based model. Smoke rises with the pedal and adds a burst on fast throttle changes, without reading engine load or turbo. The HUD confirms the active model when you toggle.

Simple pedal-driven curve
Predictable, always-visible effect
Switch back at any time

NewAI traffic

Traffic smoke

AI trucks get a diesel model of their own, built from their real speed, acceleration and gear. They smoke while pulling, cut the smoke at every shift, and stay clean when braking, stopped or above highway speed. Each truck shifts slightly differently, so a column of traffic never looks synchronized.

Only a selection of traffic vehicles is covered by PM 389 Smoke
Steam Workshop traffic mods with the smoke locator extend the coverage
Passenger cars do not smoke by design

NewSCS Convoy

Convoy multiplayer

In a Convoy session, the trucks of the other players smoke according to their RPM, throttle and engine brake. When a partner drives out of range and the game stops updating them, their smoke stops instead of freezing at the last value.

Every player needs the latest MODGuard and PM 389 Smoke
Idle smoke of partner trucks is adjustable
Engine off means no smoke, without guessing

Improved physics

How the smoke behaves in the world

The smoke is the game's native particle system, so it receives the same lighting, weather and shadows as everything else. The plugin shapes where each particle is born, how fast it leaves the pipe and how long it lives.

Left behind on the road

The trail stays where it was produced and the truck drives away from it, instead of the cloud being dragged along with the cab.

Follows the real exhaust

Vertical stacks, side pipes and rear-facing outlets on the left and right side each push the smoke in their own direction. Reversing is handled too.

Fades over its lifetime

The initial push dies down over the life of each particle, so the cloud slows and settles rather than streaming forever.

Denser at speed

Faster driving spawns more particles per metre with a shorter life, keeping the trail continuous on the highway without turning into a wall.

Thicker puffs

In Realistic mode the spawn rate rises with the smoke level, so a hard launch or a shift under load is visibly heavier than the stock effect.

No wisps

A visibility threshold with hysteresis removes faint, flickering smoke during stable load. Either there is real smoke or the pipe is clean.

Safety comes first: the plugin never raises the game's particle limits, restores the original values when it is switched off, and stays inactive on game versions it does not recognize.

Installation

Install the ATS Smoke System

Use the PM 389 Smoke package together with the free plugin. Keep both downloads from the official MODGuardian server.

ATS normally stores player mods in the American Truck Simulator folder under Documents. If OneDrive redirects Documents, use the active folder that already contains your ATS profiles and mod directory.

Quick answer

Put PM_389_Smoke.zip in Documents\American Truck Simulator\mod\, then put MODGuard.dll in steamapps\common\American Truck Simulator\bin\win_x64\plugins\.

1
Install PM 389 Smoke
Download PM_389_Smoke.zip, keep it compressed and place it in Documents\American Truck Simulator\mod\.
2
Install the required plugin
Download MODGuard.dll and place it in steamapps\common\American Truck Simulator\bin\win_x64\plugins\. Create the plugins folder if it does not exist.
Prefer automatic setup? Run the MODGuardian installer and log in as Guest.
3
Activate the mod
Open the American Truck Simulator Mod Manager, enable PM_389_Smoke and start the game with one of the confirmed trucks listed below.
4
Choose your smoke mode
Realistic mode is active by default. Press Ctrl + Alt + T to switch to Classic mode for the current session; the HUD confirms the active model. Set smoke_model in plugins/moddir.txt to change the startup default.

Open the ATS Steam plugin guide Need help? Join Discord

Blender smoke locator setup for a American Truck Simulator truck mod

Place the required locator directly in your truck model and control exactly where the exhaust effect appears.

Optional customization

Make the smoke match your truck

The signed MODGuard Smoke System color editor is available to players and modders who want a custom smoke color. It is optional and does not replace PM 389 Smoke or MODGuard.dll.

Download color editor Modder documentation

Built for modders

Full control for custom truck projects

Use the system in free mods, paid mods, private projects or public releases. There are no usage restrictions.

Blender locator

Add a particle.smoke_new locator at the correct exhaust position in the truck model. That is all the plugin needs: any truck or traffic vehicle carrying the locator is picked up automatically, with no whitelist.

Particle design

Choose light or heavy smoke, constant or responsive behavior, particle style and visual color.

Per-truck effects

Configure an individual effect for each truck instead of accepting a single predefined appearance.

Any project type

Ship compatible effects in free, paid, public or private truck projects without a Smoke System usage fee.

Advanced plugin settings

The plugin writes a [control] block into plugins/moddir.txt on first run, with the values most players change. Any missing key uses the default shown. Edit values with the game closed.

[control]
smoke_model=real
smoke_throttle_threshold=0.45
smoke_real_gain_pct=250
smoke_real_bobtail_pct=50
traffic_share_percent=100
traffic_smoke_suppress=0
diesel_cutoff_speed=19
convoy_idle_percent=1

[resolver]
target_unit_fragment=

smoke_model selects real or classic at startup. smoke_throttle_threshold is the minimum pedal (0 to 1) before your truck smokes. smoke_real_gain_pct scales Realistic smoke; smoke_real_bobtail_pct is the share kept without a trailer.

traffic_share_percent picks what fraction of treated AI trucks smoke, chosen per model so the same truck always behaves the same. traffic_smoke_suppress=1 turns all traffic smoke off. diesel_cutoff_speed (m/s) is where AI stops smoking. convoy_idle_percent is the idle smoke of partner trucks and accepts fractions such as 0.5.

target_unit_fragment is for modders whose smoke locator uses a different name: list your particle unit name fragments, comma separated, and the plugin treats them like smoke_new. Restart the game after changing it.

Verified compatibility

Confirmed ATS trucks with modified models

The table lists the 13 American Truck Simulator trucks for which a modified .pmd integration was confirmed in the current PM 389 Smoke source package.

A truck not listed here is not automatically supported. Custom trucks can use the system after their creator adds the particle.smoke_new locator to the appropriate exhaust model in Blender. PM 389 Smoke also covers a small selection of traffic vehicles; Steam Workshop traffic mods with the locator widen that coverage.

American Truck Simulator 1.59+
Windows 64-bit executable
Single-player supported
SCS Convoy multiplayer supported when all players run the latest files
AI traffic smoke on vehicles that carry the smoke locator

Select a truck to inspect every modified model path included for it.

Freightliner Cascadia 20196 modified models

Modified PMD paths

\vehicle\truck\freightliner_cascadia2019\accessory\exhaust\dc_stock.pmd
\vehicle\truck\freightliner_cascadia2019\accessory\exhaust\dc_us.pmd
\vehicle\truck\freightliner_cascadia2019\accessory\exhaust\sl48_stock.pmd
\vehicle\truck\freightliner_cascadia2019\accessory\exhaust\sl48_us.pmd
\vehicle\truck\freightliner_cascadia2019\accessory\exhaust\sl72_stock.pmd
\vehicle\truck\freightliner_cascadia2019\accessory\exhaust\sl72_us.pmd

Freightliner Cascadia 20246 modified models

Modified PMD paths

\vehicle\truck\freightliner_cascadia2024\accessory\exhaust\dc_stock.pmd
\vehicle\truck\freightliner_cascadia2024\accessory\exhaust\dc_us.pmd
\vehicle\truck\freightliner_cascadia2024\accessory\exhaust\sl48_stock.pmd
\vehicle\truck\freightliner_cascadia2024\accessory\exhaust\sl48_us.pmd
\vehicle\truck\freightliner_cascadia2024\accessory\exhaust\sl72_stock.pmd
\vehicle\truck\freightliner_cascadia2024\accessory\exhaust\sl72_us.pmd

International 9900i6 modified models

Modified PMD paths

\vehicle\truck\intnational_9900i\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_72_a.pmd
\vehicle\truck\intnational_9900i\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_72_b.pmd
\vehicle\truck\intnational_9900i\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_72_s.pmd
\vehicle\truck\intnational_9900i\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_day_a_int.pmd
\vehicle\truck\intnational_9900i\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_day_a.pmd
\vehicle\truck\intnational_9900i\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_day_b.pmd

International LoneStar10 modified models

Modified PMD paths

\vehicle\truck\intnational_lonestar\accessory\cab_exhaust\exhaust_bc_a.pmd
\vehicle\truck\intnational_lonestar\accessory\cab_exhaust\exhaust_bc_b.pmd
\vehicle\truck\intnational_lonestar\accessory\cab_exhaust\exhaust_bc_c.pmd
\vehicle\truck\intnational_lonestar\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_a_a.pmd
\vehicle\truck\intnational_lonestar\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_a_b.pmd
\vehicle\truck\intnational_lonestar\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_a_bc_int.pmd
\vehicle\truck\intnational_lonestar\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_a_c.pmd
\vehicle\truck\intnational_lonestar\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_bc_a.pmd
\vehicle\truck\intnational_lonestar\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_bc_b.pmd
\vehicle\truck\intnational_lonestar\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_bc_c.pmd

International LT9 modified models

Modified PMD paths

\vehicle\truck\intnational_lt\accessory\cab_exhaust\exhaust_bc_a.pmd
\vehicle\truck\intnational_lt\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_a_a_int.pmd
\vehicle\truck\intnational_lt\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_a_a.pmd
\vehicle\truck\intnational_lt\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_a_b_int.pmd
\vehicle\truck\intnational_lt\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_a_b.pmd
\vehicle\truck\intnational_lt\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_b_a.pmd
\vehicle\truck\intnational_lt\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_bc_a.pmd
\vehicle\truck\intnational_lt\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_c_a.pmd
\vehicle\truck\intnational_lt\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_d.pmd

Kenworth T680 20224 modified models

Modified PMD paths

\vehicle\truck\kenworth_t680_2022\accessory\exhaust\bottom_day.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_t680_2022\accessory\exhaust\bottom.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_t680_2022\accessory\exhaust\classic_rear_52in.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_t680_2022\accessory\exhaust\classic_rear_day.pmd

Kenworth W90047 modified models

Modified PMD paths

\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\day_plain_angled_long_paint.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\day_plain_angled_long.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\day_plain_angled_short_paint.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\day_plain_angled_short.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\day_plain_mufler_short.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\day_plain_straight_long_paint.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\day_plain_straight_long.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\day_plain_straight_short_paint.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\day_plain_straight_short.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\day_standard_angled_long_paint.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\day_standard_angled_long.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\day_standard_narrow_long_paint.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\day_standard_narrow_long.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\day_standard_narrow_short_paint.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\day_standard_narrow_short.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\day_standard_short.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\day_standard_straight_long_paint.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\day_standard_straight_long.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\day_standard_straight_short_paint.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\day_standard_straight_short.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\day_thick_straight_long_paint.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\day_thick_straight_long.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\slp_kenworth_legacy.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\slp_kenworth_logo_100y.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\slp_kenworth_logo.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\slp_kenworth_narrow_100y.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\slp_kenworth_narrow_long_paint.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\slp_kenworth_narrow_long.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\slp_kenworth_straight_long_paint.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\slp_kenworth_straight_long.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\slp_plain_angled_long_paint.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\slp_plain_angled_long.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\slp_plain_angled_short_paint.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\slp_plain_angled_short.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\slp_plain_mufler_long.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\slp_plain_straight_long_paint.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\slp_plain_straight_long.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\slp_plain_straight_short_paint.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\slp_plain_straight_short.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\slp_thick_narrow_long_paint.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\slp_thick_narrow_long.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\slp_thick_straight_long_paint.pmd
\vehicle\truck\kenworth_w900\accessory\exhaust\slp_thick_straight_long.pmd
\vehicle\truck\upgrade\exhaust\kenworth_w900\exhaust01.pmd
\vehicle\truck\upgrade\exhaust\kenworth_w900\exhaust02.pmd
\vehicle\truck\upgrade\exhaust\kenworth_w900\exhaust03.pmd
\vehicle\truck\upgrade\exhaust\kenworth_w900\exhaust04.pmd

Mack Anthem8 modified models

Modified PMD paths

\vehicle\truck\mack_anthem\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_0_1_1.pmd
\vehicle\truck\mack_anthem\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_1_2_1_black.pmd
\vehicle\truck\mack_anthem\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_1_2_1.pmd
\vehicle\truck\mack_anthem\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_1_2_2.pmd
\vehicle\truck\mack_anthem\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_2_2_1.pmd
\vehicle\truck\mack_anthem\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_2_2_2.pmd
\vehicle\truck\mack_anthem\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_3_2_1.pmd
\vehicle\truck\mack_anthem\accessory\exhaust\exhaust_3_2_2.pmd

Mack Pinnacle11 modified models

Modified PMD paths

\vehicle\truck\mack_pinnacle\accessory\exhaust\dcb_double.pmd
\vehicle\truck\mack_pinnacle\accessory\exhaust\dcb_side_double.pmd
\vehicle\truck\mack_pinnacle\accessory\exhaust\dcb_side_single.pmd
\vehicle\truck\mack_pinnacle\accessory\exhaust\dcb_single.pmd
\vehicle\truck\mack_pinnacle\accessory\exhaust\s48_double.pmd
\vehicle\truck\mack_pinnacle\accessory\exhaust\s48_side_double.pmd
\vehicle\truck\mack_pinnacle\accessory\exhaust\s48_side_single.pmd
\vehicle\truck\mack_pinnacle\accessory\exhaust\s48_single.pmd
\vehicle\truck\mack_pinnacle\accessory\exhaust\s70_double.pmd
\vehicle\truck\mack_pinnacle\accessory\exhaust\s70_single.pmd
\vehicle\truck\mack_pinnacle\accessory\exhaust\stock.pmd

Volvo VNL 201810 modified models

Modified PMD paths

\vehicle\truck\volvo_vnl2018\accessory\exhaust\basic.pmd
\vehicle\truck\volvo_vnl2018\accessory\exhaust\bottom.pmd
\vehicle\truck\volvo_vnl2018\accessory\exhaust\dbl_short_day.pmd
\vehicle\truck\volvo_vnl2018\accessory\exhaust\double_740.pmd
\vehicle\truck\volvo_vnl2018\accessory\exhaust\double_860.pmd
\vehicle\truck\volvo_vnl2018\accessory\exhaust\double_day.pmd
\vehicle\truck\volvo_vnl2018\accessory\exhaust\short_day.pmd
\vehicle\truck\volvo_vnl2018\accessory\exhaust\stock_740.pmd
\vehicle\truck\volvo_vnl2018\accessory\exhaust\stock_860.pmd
\vehicle\truck\volvo_vnl2018\accessory\exhaust\stock_day.pmd

Western Star 49X9 modified models

Modified PMD paths

\vehicle\truck\westernstar_49x\accessory\exhaust\dblsmpl_1.pmd
\vehicle\truck\westernstar_49x\accessory\exhaust\dblsmpl_23.pmd
\vehicle\truck\westernstar_49x\accessory\exhaust\dblsmpl.pmd
\vehicle\truck\westernstar_49x\accessory\exhaust\stock_1.pmd
\vehicle\truck\westernstar_49x\accessory\exhaust\stock_23.pmd
\vehicle\truck\westernstar_49x\accessory\exhaust\stock_ws_1.pmd
\vehicle\truck\westernstar_49x\accessory\exhaust\stock_ws.pmd
\vehicle\truck\westernstar_49x\accessory\exhaust\stock.pmd
\vehicle\truck\westernstar_49x\accessory\exhaust\undrfrm.pmd

Western Star 5700XE9 modified models

Modified PMD paths

\vehicle\truck\westernstar_5700xe\accessory\exhaust\day_double.pmd
\vehicle\truck\westernstar_5700xe\accessory\exhaust\day_single.pmd
\vehicle\truck\westernstar_5700xe\accessory\exhaust\s54_double.pmd
\vehicle\truck\westernstar_5700xe\accessory\exhaust\s54_single.pmd
\vehicle\truck\westernstar_5700xe\accessory\exhaust\s82_double.pmd
\vehicle\truck\westernstar_5700xe\accessory\exhaust\s82_single.pmd
\vehicle\truck\westernstar_5700xe\accessory\exhaust\stock_s54.pmd
\vehicle\truck\westernstar_5700xe\accessory\exhaust\stock_s82.pmd
\vehicle\truck\westernstar_5700xe\accessory\exhaust\stock.pmd

Western Star 57X8 modified models

Modified PMD paths

\vehicle\truck\westernstar_57x\accessory\exhaust\dc_stock.pmd
\vehicle\truck\westernstar_57x\accessory\exhaust\dc_us.pmd
\vehicle\truck\westernstar_57x\accessory\exhaust\dc_us2.pmd
\vehicle\truck\westernstar_57x\accessory\exhaust\sl48_stock.pmd
\vehicle\truck\westernstar_57x\accessory\exhaust\sl48_us.pmd
\vehicle\truck\westernstar_57x\accessory\exhaust\sl72_stock.pmd
\vehicle\truck\westernstar_57x\accessory\exhaust\sl72_us_d.pmd
\vehicle\truck\westernstar_57x\accessory\exhaust\sl72_us.pmd

Verify your download

Official files with verifiable EV signatures

Download only from public.modguard.com.br. In Windows, right-click the DLL or executable, open Properties and check Digital Signatures. Confirm that Windows reports a valid signature issued to 43.481.083 TONI CLEVERSON CARDOSO VOLMA DA SILVA. A valid signature verifies the publisher and file integrity; it is not a generic promise that every security product will classify a file the same way.

ATS troubleshooting

If smoke does not appear in American Truck Simulator

Start with the game-specific checks below before reinstalling the plugin.

The mod does not appear in ATS Mod Manager

Confirm that PM_389_Smoke.zip is still compressed and is inside the active American Truck Simulator\mod folder. Check OneDrive Documents if Windows redirects your user folders.

The truck loads but no exhaust smoke appears

Test with one of the confirmed ATS trucks and a supported exhaust option. Then confirm MODGuard.dll is in the ATS bin\win_x64\plugins folder, not the ETS2 installation.

Smoke does not change under load

Realistic mode is the default; if the HUD shows Classic, press Ctrl + Alt + T. Keep the throttle above the 45% threshold and pull a loaded trailer uphill to create a clear change in engine load.

ATS reports a plugin warning

Verify the EV signature, allow the official MODGuardian plugin when ATS starts, and use the 64-bit executable.

game.log says smoke was not installed because of another plugin

Another plugin already controls a game function the Smoke System needs, so the plugin stayed inactive to avoid crashes. Rename the conflicting DLL to .dll.disabled and restart ATS.

Technical glossary

Smoke System terms explained

particle.smoke_new: The Blender locator that defines where a compatible custom truck emits smoke.
Particle effect: The visual smoke asset, including its style, color, density and lifetime.
Telemetry: Live driving data such as throttle, RPM, gear, clutch, speed, engine load and turbo pressure used by Realistic mode.
smoke_model: The startup model: real (default) or classic. Ctrl + Alt + T toggles it for the current session.
target_unit_fragment: Modder setting that registers additional particle unit names so a custom locator is treated like smoke_new.
Traffic share: The fraction of treated AI trucks that smoke, chosen per vehicle model so the same truck always behaves the same way.
Convoy partner: Another player's truck in an SCS Convoy session. Its smoke follows the RPM, throttle and engine brake the game reports for it.
plugins/moddir.txt: The plugin settings file. The [control] block is created on first run. Close the game before changing its values.

Help center

ATS Smoke System questions

Direct answers for installation, compatibility, customization and troubleshooting.

Does the Smoke System work with American Truck Simulator 1.59 and newer?

Yes. Smoke System by MODGuardian supports American Truck Simulator 1.59+. Compatibility is tested on Windows with the 64-bit game executable.

What do I need to install the ATS realistic smoke mod?

Install PM_389_Smoke.zip in the ATS mod folder and install the free MODGuard.dll plugin in the game's win_x64 plugins folder. The automatic installer is available as an alternative.

What is the difference between Realistic and Classic mode?

Realistic mode, the default, reads engine load and turbo pressure from the game and smokes only when injected fuel finds no air to burn: a puff after each shift, sustained smoke when lugging uphill, and a clean pipe while cruising or engine braking. Classic mode is the earlier pedal-driven curve. Press Ctrl + Alt + T to switch for the current session; the HUD confirms the active model.

Can I change the smoke color and intensity?

Yes. The optional SmokeSystem.zip color editor lets players and modders customize smoke colors. Intensity is controlled in the [control] block of plugins/moddir.txt: smoke_real_gain_pct scales the Realistic model and smoke_throttle_threshold sets the minimum pedal before your truck smokes.

Can I add the smoke effect to a custom truck mod?

Yes. Add the particle.smoke_new locator in Blender and configure the particle effect for the truck. Any vehicle carrying the locator is detected at runtime, including traffic vehicles. If your locator uses another name, list it under target_unit_fragment in plugins/moddir.txt.

Do AI traffic trucks smoke?

Yes, on the traffic vehicles that carry the smoke locator. PM 389 Smoke includes a small selection of them, so only some of the trucks you meet will smoke; Steam Workshop traffic mods that include the locator extend the coverage. Traffic smoke follows each truck's real speed, acceleration and gear, cuts at every shift, and stops when braking, stopped or above highway speed. Set traffic_smoke_suppress=1 to turn it off.

Does it work in Convoy multiplayer?

Yes. In an SCS Convoy session the trucks of the other players smoke according to their RPM, throttle and engine brake. Every player in the session must run the latest MODGuard.dll and PM 389 Smoke. When a partner drives out of range, their smoke stops instead of freezing at the last value.

What changed in the smoke physics?

The smoke is now left behind on the road and pushed along the real direction of each exhaust outlet, left or right, vertical or rear-facing, and the push fades over the particle's lifetime. Faster driving spawns denser, shorter-lived particles, Realistic puffs spawn at a higher rate than the stock effect, and a visibility threshold removes faint wisps. The plugin never raises the game's particle limits.

Does the plugin connect to the internet?

Once at startup it downloads a small list of known conflicting plugins from modguard.com.br, with a 5 second timeout and no user data beyond the request itself. If another plugin already controls a game function the Smoke System needs, the plugin stays inactive and writes a notice to game.log. Set conflict_list_url= (empty) in the [control] block to disable the check.

Are the downloads free and safe to verify?

The Smoke System, plugin, installer and editor are free. Download only from public.modguard.com.br. The Windows executables and plugin are digitally signed with an EV code-signing certificate; open file Properties, then Digital Signatures, to verify the publisher before running them.

Where can I get installation help?

Follow the installation steps on this page or use the ATS Steam guide. For individual help, join the official MODGuardian Discord.

Ready to drive

Bring responsive exhaust smoke to ATS

Start with PM 389 Smoke and the free MODGuard plugin. If you use Euro Truck Simulator 2, its dedicated compatibility and installation guide is available too.

Download PM 389 Smoke Open the ETS2 smoke guide