The car exhaust is a vital component that enables a vehicle to run smoothly, efficiently and quietly. A damaged car exhaust can be dangerous to the driver and the environment, yet many drivers are unaware of the importance of their exhaust and how it functions. This article aims to increase awareness of the importance of the exhaust in a vehicle’s performance.
What are my exhaust components?
Understanding the terminology of the exhaust system is key to fully understanding how the exhaust works. The parts of the exhaust are:
- Exhaust manifold – vents exhaust gases and burns left over fuel that failed to combust properly in the engine
- Oxygen sensor – sends oxygen level readings to the car and regulates fuel consumption for best fuel efficiency
- Exhaust pipes – connect the components together and allow the gases to exit the system
- Catalytic convertor – converts dangerous gases
- Muffler – reduces sound pollution
These parts work together to allow the system to work at optimum performance, described in detail below.
Quietens combustion
Sound pollution is an annoying aspect of vehicles that can disturb those in the surrounding area. To combat this, the noise is reduced through the use of a muffler. Sound waves are carried through the tailpipe to the muffler which contains a series of tubes called baffles which the waves must travel through. This causes the waves to lose some of their energy and thus become quieter. After the muffler, the waves must travel through a highly pressurised area in the resonator which cancels out the remaining sound waves. A different variety of muffler exists which absorbs the waves using fibreglass, and the most effective mufflers work by utilizing a combination of both systems.
Removes harmful emissions
In an internal combustion engine fossil fuels are burned and create harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and nitrogen monoxide. The car exhaust is responsible for removing these emissions safely out of the vehicle and the environment. The exhaust manifold vents the exhaust gases from multiple cylinders into one pipe and the catalytic convertor converts the harmful gases into carbon dioxide and water vapor. A catalytic convertor is not essential for a vehicle to run, but it is crucial for protecting the environment.
Improves engine performance and fuel consumption
Most factory produced cars come with a restrictive exhaust that ensures the car runs quietly. However, this exhaust can be improved or replaced with a less restrictive exhaust that allows the engine to exhale easier and run more efficiently. This allows the engine to get as much energy as possible out of it’s fuel and improve power.
Oaks Services offer repairs to almost any exhaust malfunction including:
- Blown gaskets
- Leaking joints
- Broken silencers
- Damaged catalytic convertors
Our expert mechanics will quickly perform a diagnostic to find the issue and set about repairing or replacing the faulty exhaust in a matter of minutes. All of our services are priced competitively and our friendly and helpful staff are always on hand to advise and inform you on your vehicle’s upkeep and maintenance. Contact us today for more information.
