Automotive Journal

An automobile’s performance and efficiency is due to the many systems it has working together in unison. One of the systems that is very important for an efficienct vehicle, is the exhaust system.

A common misconception is that an exhaust system’s job is only to carry all of the knoxious fumes and gases away from the engine. It is also responsible, in part, to the performance, fuel efficiency and satisfactory driving of the vehicle.

What difference does a healthy exhaust system make to the efficient running of your vehicle?

There are a few different components that make up a complete exhaust system and they all have an important and distinct function. The main parts are the muffler, manifold, exhaust pipes and catalytic converter.

There are many harmful fumes and gases that are left over from the combustion of the the fuel and air mix when the engine is running. Some of thes gases include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons (unburned), sulfur dioxide, lead and nitrogen oxides. A healthy exhaust system will channel these fumes away from the engine properly.

Those gases are harmful to the environment and to us humans so they must be cleaned before they are sent out of the vehicle. With this essential task of the exhaust system, it becomes necessary for us to check it regularly for damages or corrosion that could adversely affect its proper functioning.

There are basically two types of exhaust systems: the Dual or Twin Exhaust System and the Emission Control System.

Dual Exhaust System

A Twin Exhaust system allows for faster expulsion of the exhaust gases. Having a twin exhaust system can have significant effect on a vehicles horsepower, by expelling more of the gases from the combustion chamber at a quicker rate on every stroke.

Emission Control System

There are two different ways that Emission control systems ‘Clean’ the gases that exit your vehicle. Some do it by way of a catalytic converter that turns harmful fumes into harmless ones. Other do it by halting the formation of pollutants at the engine.

Components that make up an Exhaust System

1. The Manifold - this component attaches the exhaust system to the engine at the comustion chambers and is usually made of cast iron.

2. The Catalytic Converter - This component has the job of turning the harmful gases in safe ones like water vapour and carbon dioxide.

3. Muffler - This part is normaly made of fiberglass and works by absorbing the sound waves created by the gases travelling through the exhaust pipe. This makes your vehicle run more quietly.

4. The Exhaust pipe - This component is made of steel and channels the gases all the way down to the tail pipes.

You should not delay the replacement of damaged exhaust system parts so that you avoid serious accidents and unwanted expenses. A clogged and glowing catalytic converter indicates serious problem so don’t delay replacing it.