Your vehicle’s complete exhaust system is particularly susceptible to damage and wear from the outside environment. It’s exposed to stones, dirt, snow, salt and other many road hazards. It really does put up with a lot! A damaged or faulty exhaust system can reduce the operating efficiency of your engine and result in increased fuel consumption.
Mufflers & Exhaust Warning Signs:
- When your vehicle makes a louder noise than usual or you hear a ticking sound when accelerating (which may indicate an exhaust leak due to corrosion).
- When fuel consumption increases and/or lack of performance is noted.
- When rust is visible on exhaust system parts.
- When rattles are evident from the exhaust system.
- If you observe an unusual smell or burning odor (which could be a potentially dangerous exhaust leak).
Cars and trucks used for short journeys have a tendency to corrode their exhaust systems a lot quicker.
Exhaust System Components
One of the main things an exhaust system does is reduce your vehicle’s noise. However, did you know that your exhaust system also prevents harmful emissions from escaping into the environment as well? Below are the various components that ensures your exhaust system runs smoothly.
Muffler
A muffler is what prevents your car from sounding like a motorcycle when you touch the accelerator. When your muffler goes, not only will you notice it, but so will your neighbours. Your car’s muffler is built to act as an acoustic soundproofing component. What you may not have known is that there is a pay off between noise reduction and your car’s power. A muffler works by sending your car’s exhaust through a system of channels, tubes and holes. When you obstruct the engine’s flow of exhaust gases, pressure naturally forms, which reduces your engine’s performance.
Resonator
A resonator works with your muffler to further reduce the sounds made by your engine. If your vehicle is sounding harsher and raspier it may be due to a leak in your vehicle’s resonator.
Catalytic Converter
The Catalytic Converter is key in reducing the harmful emissions of a vehicle’s exhaust. What the Catalytic Converter does is alter the chemical structure of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides into harmless carbon dioxides, oxygen, water and nitrogen. The Catalytic Converter gets extremely hot, and works best when it is 450 to 800 degrees Celsius.
Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor sits in your car’s exhaust pipe and monitors the emissions of your exhaust. The oxygen sensor continuously reports the amount of oxygen in your exhaust to your car’s central computer. The computer then adjusts its mixture to ensure the cleanest combustion for your vehicle.