Exhaust - It's More Than Smoke and Loud Tail Pipes
Most people climb into their car each morning, start it up and drive away. As long as the vehicle starts and sounds alright, we don't consider the small details about the different systems that make up the entire car. However, the moment something begins to sound funny or act funny we become more interested in those minor details and parts.
The one system that makes the most noise when it malfunctions is the exhaust system. When this system develops a hole or other problem with it, the noise can't be ignored. However, it can also be a more subtle issue. A damaged exhaust system will interfere with the car's performance by failing to get rid of the harmful elements from the engine. Exhaust that can't get away can release carcinogens into the atmosphere and even post a health threat if not found soon enough.
Vehicle exhaust systems carry away the gases that are created when the fuel and air are burned in the combustion chamber. These gases are harmful to humans and our environment thus the laws regarding emissions in highly populated areas. In larger cities all the traffic means a higher concentration of these harmful gases are released into the air every single day. It is in the best interest of everyone living and working in these areas to have every vehicle be performing at peak levels without having a high emission rating. That might be why in many larger cities we don't see very many really old worn out vehicles, they can't pass an emissions test.
The exhaust system is made up of many different parts and each one has a specific job to do but they also have different ways they can go bad. The worst problem for the entire system though is corrosion or rust. Rust is caused by moisture reacting with the iron in the steel forming iron oxide. Moisture is present in the exhaust as a by-product of combustion and the catalytic converter. It can also come from the outside elements and conditions of rain and snow. If you notice a car idling during the winter usually you will see little drips of moisture dripping off the end of the exhaust pipe. Over time, rust can eat a hole in the exhaust system causing it to be much less efficient and much noisier too. This is because rust weakens the spot welds that hold the heat shields to the exhaust system. When the weld fails, the shield comes loose just enough to vibrate and produce a rattle or buzz that reverberates throughout the entire vehicle. The noise may only be heard at certain engine rpms or when slowing down. If you live in an area which uses salt on the roadways during the winter time, it is vitally important to wash the underside of the car with water every few weeks to rinse off the salt. Salt speeds up the corrosion process. It is also important to run the engine after washing to dry all the water off the outside of the pipes.
Rust isn't the only problem that can bring about serious issues with your exhaust system. If a vehicle has been getting poor fuel economy or has a loss of power, the exhaust system might have an internal restriction or blockage. These restrictions can be caused by damaged or crushed pipes, or collapsed baffles inside a muffler. However, the most common cause often turns out to be a plugged catalytic converter. The catalytic converter converts harmful carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons to water vapor and carbon dioxide and is mounted between the exhaust manifold and the muffler. If you take the converter off and look into it with a bright light, you should be able to see all the way through it, if you can't then it is plugged and needs replacing.
The muffler does just what its name indicates; it muffles the exhaust noise down to acceptable levels. Most of the time mufflers rust through and need to be replaced. They also can become loosely attached; you know the sound of the muffler bouncing off the curb you just drove over. Then there is the sound of leaving the muffler behind entirely, the engine noise gets so loud you can't hear yourself think. Muffler's come in a variety of costs, some legitimate parts and some aftermarket. Very definitely with the mufflers, buying the cheapest one out there also buys the least amount of time between muffler repairs and problems. If you do have to replace the muffler, be sure you check the pipes around it and make sure they are in good condition. Pipes can appear to be fine on the outside and be rusting away on the inside so be sure to check both out and inside of pipes.
All modern fuel injected vehicles use an oxygen sensor to measure how much oxygen is present in the exhaust. From this the computer can add or subtract fuel to obtain the correct mixture for maximum fuel economy. This little sensor can also be the cause of a persistent check engine light. While it is small it can cause a few problems with the overall performance of the vehicle.
The main component of the entire exhaust system that links all the parts together is the exhaust pipe. This pipe carries the gas through its journey out your tail pipe. Exhaust tubing is usually made of steel but can also be stainless steel that actually lasts longer because it resists corrosion. It can even be aluminized steel which has a little better corrosion resistance than regular steel but not quite as good as the stainless steel has, but it is cheaper than stainless. These pipes should be tested by using a large pair of expandable pliers. The pliers will tell if the pipes are rotten or solid. If the pipe gives in when pressure is applied, it obviously needs replaced. Poking at rusted areas on the different areas of the entire system will also tell you if the corrosion is on the surface or if it goes all the way through the metal.
From the engine to the tail pipe there are lots of important areas that should be looked at once in a while. We sort of take our vehicles for granted and just make sure to add gasoline when necessary and occasionally make sure the oil level is ok. Other than that it's just a bunch of details. But details are important too. Especially details that either improve or lower gas mileage and even details that make the air we breathe dangerous. We need to be aware that the exhaust system is one such detail; it needs some attention once in a while. It is possible to give it a quick look see ourselves, but for a more thorough inspection we can take it to the local auto repair center and have them look it over. It is easier for the professionals to look under there because they can lift the car off the ground. All the "do-it-yourself" people have to crawl under the car and see what they can see. As vehicles age things begin to take on a less than shiny appearance. It is important to know which things need attention and which things might be best off replaced.
It is also very important to note that even a small exhaust leak that causes exhaust gases to get inside the vehicle can affect a driver's judgment and perception. As little as 0.08 percent carbon monoxide (that's only 800 parts per million) can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, and bring on stupor in two hours. A one percent concentration level of carbon monoxide can kill a person in less than three minutes. Carbon monoxide isn't only found in your basement, it is part of your vehicles exhaust. Frequent check of your exhaust system is a must to ensure you and your family's safety.
All in that entire vehicle on four wheels can get you where you are going, but it needs maintenance too. Regular maintenance can help prevent major problems down the road. To help guarantee that your vehicle starts every morning and every evening and gets you safely to each destination, take a few moments to make sure it is in good condition from the engine to the tail pipe. It's all in the details.
No comments:
Post a Comment