How Your Exhaust System afffects Your Vehicle’s Performance

by Robert C. Beiro

A vehicle is composed of several interrelated systems whose functions are necessary to its efficient performance. One of the systems that are often overlooked but are essentially important to the vehicle’s maximum efficiency is the exhaust system.

The exhaust system has and number of uses. It carries harmful exhaust fumes away from the engine as well as being important in ensuring good fuel consumption. It is also crucial to smooth and satisfactory driving.

How does a healthy Exhaust System affect your car, truck, van or SUV’s performance?

First of all, lets look at the different parts that make up a complete exhaust system: These are the Muffler, exhaust pipe, catalytic converter and exhaust manifold. Each of these parts has an important function.

The exhuast system is designed to safely channel away waste gases produced in the combustion chambers of the engine, like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, the unburned hydrocarbons, sulfur dioxide, lead and other metals.

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

This type of system works how the name suggests, by regulating the emmission of harmful gases expelled from the engine. They don’t all do this the same way. Some systems stop pollutants being formed in the engine itself, while other systems convert harmful gases into harmless ones with the use of a catalytic converter.

Exhaust System Components:

1. Exhaust Manifold - this part is attached to the cylinder, usually constructed of cast iron, which is used to conduct the exhaust gases from the combustion chambers to the exhaust pipe.

2. Catalytic Converter - This part is designed to absorb some of the harmful gases and convert others in to harmless gases like 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 is constructed of steel and has the job of carrying all of the harmful gases the length of the vehicle to the tail pipe.

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.

About the Author:

This author has collected together 100’s more car articles on subjects like making your car more fuel efficient. He is also the author of a selection of motoring articles that can be found at OldboyArticles.com.