Look after your Exhaust System to Ensure Peak Engine Performance
May 16, 2008 – 11:19 amA 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.
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 effect does a healthy exhaust system have on you car’s performance?
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.
There are many harmful fumes and gases that are left over from the combustion of the the fuel and air mix when the engine is running. Some of thes gases include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons (unburned), sulfur dioxide, lead and nitrogen oxides. A healthy exhaust system will channel these fumes away from the engine properly.
These gases can not be sent straight out of the vehicle because they are harmful to both humans and the environment. They must first be cleaned by the catalytic converter. When servicing your vehicle, the exhaust system must be inspected for cracks and damage that may stop it functioning properly.
Exhaust system fall into two categories. These categories are the Dual or Twin Exhaust System or the Emission Control System.
The Twin Exhaust System
The Dual or Twin Exhaust 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 making the engine ‘breath’ more easily.
An Emmision 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.
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. 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 helps in reducing noise in the exhausts system. Some mufflers are made of fiberglass to absorb the sound energy as the gases flow through it.
4. Exhaust Pipe - this part carries the gaseous waste out of the tail pipe. It is usually made of steel or stainless steel.
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.
Tags: Cars
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