The exhaust system of a vehicle is something more than just metal pipes. In fact, the exhaust system helps to run your vehicle smoothly and quietly. After the car has utilized the fuel it needs and converted it to energy, where do the engine leftover gases go?
The engine leftover gases and heat move into the exhaust system. The catalytic converter in the system reduces the pollutants from the exhaust. The resonator and the muffler minimize the noise. Most of the components in the system are designed to last for a long time. However, there are a number of factors that can affect durability.
Let’s see some of the eminent reasons for which you may have to replace the exhaust system:
Bad material
Most of the car and truck manufacturers select the least expensive options when it comes to the exhaust systems. Most of them are made of mild steel that deteriorate over time. However, components made of stainless steel or aluminized steel tends to last much longer. Replacing the performance exhaust with a better one can create an even more efficient path for vehicle’s unwanted gas to escape. The engine can exit fuel and air through combustion chamber much faster.
Weather condition
Exhaust system suffers maximum damage when it is cold outside. During this time, car takes at least 20 minutes to warm up. And if you are going out in short trips it does not have time to warm up enough, the collected water vapor will stay in the system without evaporating. Salt sprayed on the roads can also gather along with water underneath your car. Moisture will cause rust while the salt will corrode them.
Damaged roads
Bad roads can damage your car’s exhaust in several ways. If your car falls in a pothole deep enough, exhaust comes in contact with the road. It can cause some major damages. Debris from road if comes in contact with the exhaust can shatter ceramic parts of catalytic converter.
Other reasons
Even if the exhaust system is able to survive all of these, there are more dangers to deal with. When oxygen sensor, mounted in the exhaust system, is damaged the system cannot mix air and fuel in proper proportion. Improper mixture clogs catalytic converter. If oil or anti-freeze enters into exhaust system, the converter gets damaged.
These are the factors that can affect exhaust system of your car leading to required repair.
Some common signs that help you to detect there is problem in the performance exhaust are:
Any sort of exhaust noise coming from your vehicle signals there is a major problem in the system. The sound can be like hissing, rattling, metallic vibrations or steady roar. Such noises usually mean there is leak in the system.
However, sometimes there can be no sound at all. But, you may face a problem with power and acceleration. It decreases or does not function in the same way as before. Another way to know that your car’s exhaust system is not working properly is when colored smoke emerges from the tail pipe.
Whatever be the problem a faulty exhaust system can be dangerous for your car as well as for the environment. You need to repair or replace it as soon as possible.