We抳e all heard a car or truck in our
neighborhoods that
needs a new muffler.
But there抯 more to the exhaust system than
just the muffler.
The exhaust system has three main functions:
Exhaust gas is poisonous. You don抰 want
it getting into the passenger compartment. For example, carbon
monoxide can be deadly. That抯 why you should never run your
engine in a closed garage. If you have a
leak in the
exhaust system, exhaust could get into the
passenger cabin and make you sick or even kill you.
If you smell exhaust in the vehicle,
roll down your windows and get it inspected.
You may smell or see exhaust coming from the engine compartment
or under the vehicle if you have a leak. Sometimes the sound
from an exhaust leak is loud and obvious. Sometimes it抯 a
ticking sound when you start the engine that goes away as you
drive. That could be a small crack or a
bad fitting
that leaks when it抯 cold but seals up when the metal heats and
expands.
Now, let抯 address the
environmental issues for our own communities.
Exhaust gas contains a number of pollutants and
particulates. The catalytic converter scrubs some of
those harmful substances. And diesel vehicles have systems to
deal with soot.
Catalytic converters eventually
wear out and need to be replaced. They抮e expensive so
you want to help them last as long as possible by keeping the
fuel system clean and replacing your air filter.
These components need to be tested for function with an
emissions test from time to time.
And that leaves the muffler. The beauty of getting a new muffler
is that you can suit your taste: Some want whisper quiet and
others like a little rumble and some like a roar when they
cruise down our area highways.
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