Exhuast
We’ve all heard that incredibly loud car going down the street that obviously needs a new muffler. But did you know that there is more to the exhaust system that just the muffler?
The exhaust system has three main functions:
- To safely and correctly get hot gas from the engine out of the tailpipe.
- Treats the exhaust to remove harmful pollutants.
- Muffle the noisy engine.
The reason why an exhaust system is so important is because exhaust gas is poisonous. You don’t want it getting in the passenger compartment. For example, carbon monoxide can be deadly and that’s why we all know that you should never run your engine in a garage that is closed. This means that if you have a leak somewhere in the exhaust system, you may be putting yourself and others in your car at risk.
If you smell exhaust in your car- there is a serious problem! Roll down your windows and get your car inspected ASAP. You may smell or see exhaust coming from the engine compartment or under the vehicle. This is a tell-tale sign that you do indeed have a leak. The sound from the exhaust leak is not always loud and obnoxious. Sometimes it’s a ticking sound that what you start the engine that goes away as you drive. The reason for that is that you may have a crack or a bad fit that leaks when it’s cold but seals when the metal heats up and expands.
When talking about a leaking exhaust system, the environmental issue must be addressed. Exhaust gas contains many pollutants. The catalytic converter scrubs SOME of those harmful substances and diesel vehicles have systems designed to deal with soot. Like most car parts, catalytic converters eventually wear out and must be replaced. It is important to keep the fuel system clean and replace your air filter because catalytic converters are not cheap!
And that leaves the muffler. The most fun part about getting a new muffler is that you can personalize it. Some like it quiet while others like it to roar!
Contact your local NAPA AutoCare Center today!
Posted
July 1, 2014