Great Vehicle Performance with a Healthy Exhaust System

You are probably one of the many that think this system only takes care of channelling out the gaseous waste from the engine. While this is true, however, bear in mind that the way it does this is crucial to your driving satisfaction.

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.

Generally, the exhaust system carries away the harmful excess gasses such as the hydrocarbons (unburned) carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, phosphorus lead and other metals that were produced during the combustion of the fuel and air mixture.

Now these gases that I have mentioned are very harmful to the environment as well as humans. For this reason the exhaust system also must do a job of cleaning the gases as it carries them out. A damaged or corroded system can seriously affect this function, so you must have it inspected regularly.

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

Dual Exhaust System

This type of system has two tail pipes, as it's name suggests. This is very important for increased vehicle performance and power. This is because it allows faster flow and expulsion of the gases, effectively make the engine 'breath' more easily. Having a twin exhaust system can have significant effect on a vehicles horsepower, by expelling more of the gases from the combustion chamber quicker on every stroke.

The Emission Control System

The purpose of the emission control system is just that; it controls the emissions and exhaust from your vehicle. Some emission control exhaust systems are designed to prevent the formation of pollutants in the engine itself while the other type of emission control exhaust systems turn the harmful gases into harmless ones through the use of a catalytic converter.

Parts of an Exhaust System

1. The Exhaust Manifold - This part is made of cast iron and is connected directly to the engine. It is designed to carry the gases from the combustion chambers to the exhaust pipes.

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. Exhaust Pipe - this part carries the gaseous waste out of the tail pipe. It is usually made of steel or stainless steel.

Get you exhaust system checked regularly. This way you can can catch any problems or damage early before it affects the performance or safe running of your vehicle. Problems like a glowing or blocked catalytic converter can be very serious and should be replaced immediately.