What does an exhaust system consist of?
People often don't realize just how important an exhaust system is in their car. An exhaust system is a set of pipes that help the car run quietly, and efficiently, and make sure the fumes exit your car safely to avoid harm to occupants. It's an important component in the vehicle, and can also be somewhat complicated.
Wondering what does an exhaust system consist of?
In essence, it's a long series of pipes that connect the muffler and catalytic converter that all work together letting air get into the engine and fumes leave through the exhaust pipe as efficiently as possible. The main components of any exhaust system are:
- The muffler - This is a big, round component that is often located at the end of a car's exhaust system. The muffler helps to reduce the noise that comes out of your tailpipes and also helps decrease back pressure for engine performance.
- Headers - These are pipes that connect the engine block to the rest of the exhaust system and help deliver air from the cylinders into your vehicle's pipes. They may or may not be included depending on whether your vehicle has a performance-focused exhaust system or not.
- Catalytic converter - This part is required by law on any car that is sold in the United States and helps decrease air pollution by cleaning harmful gasses coming from your engine before they leave through your pipes. It does this by converting harmful gas into carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen soot before it makes it to the atmosphere.
- Resonator - This part is located a few inches before the muffler and works together with it to reduce some of the noise from your exhaust system.
- Pipe - Also called a tailpipe, this is where the exhaust gas exits from under your car, and also goes into the muffler, resonator, and catalytic converter before reaching the atmosphere.
- Tailpipe hangers - These are metal supports that hold onto the end of your vehicle's tailpipes to keep them in place.
Because the exhaust system consists of pipes that run under the passenger compartment and the mechanics of your car, it can be tricky to diagnose or fix. It also needs to be installed correctly so as not to block airflow in case of malfunction or debris.
One of the signs of a damaged exhaust system is a noisy muffler. This can be caused by:
- Rust - Rust can build up over time and cause holes. This rust can be caused by corrosion from chemicals released from the catalytic converter, or from moisture from water that got into your exhaust system, either through a hole or improper installation.
- Bent tailpipe - A bent tailpipe is also a common cause of noise because it can have an uneven surface that causes friction between the muffler and the tailpipe.
- Dried-out gaskets - The seal or gasket that is designed to keep fumes from leaking out of your tailpipes can dry out and cause leaks to occur.
- Misalignment - If the muffler isn't correctly aligned with the rest of your car's exhaust system, you may find a leaking building up at that point. This misalignment could be caused by road damage, or rusting.
Schedule a Repair
An exhaust system is an important component in a car and is usually installed by a professional. It is particularly important when it comes to fuel efficiency since it can help your car run better, and also protect your health. If you're wondering what does an exhaust system consist of and which parts need to be repaired, contact a certified technician for full diagnostics.
Wondering what does a full exhaust system service consist of? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information and to schedule an inspection of the muffler and exhaust system. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
People often don't realize just how important an exhaust system is in their car. An exhaust system is a set of pipes that help the car run quietly, and efficiently, and make sure the fumes exit your car safely to avoid harm to occupants. It's an important component in the vehicle, and can also be somewhat complicated.
Wondering what does an exhaust system consist of?
In essence, it's a long series of pipes that connect the muffler and catalytic converter that all work together letting air get into the engine and fumes leave through the exhaust pipe as efficiently as possible. The main components of any exhaust system are:
- The muffler - This is a big, round component that is often located at the end of a car's exhaust system. The muffler helps to reduce the noise that comes out of your tailpipes and also helps decrease back pressure for engine performance.
- Headers - These are pipes that connect the engine block to the rest of the exhaust system and help deliver air from the cylinders into your vehicle's pipes. They may or may not be included depending on whether your vehicle has a performance-focused exhaust system or not.
- Catalytic converter - This part is required by law on any car that is sold in the United States and helps decrease air pollution by cleaning harmful gasses coming from your engine before they leave through your pipes. It does this by converting harmful gas into carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen soot before it makes it to the atmosphere.
- Resonator - This part is located a few inches before the muffler and works together with it to reduce some of the noise from your exhaust system.
- Pipe - Also called a tailpipe, this is where the exhaust gas exits from under your car, and also goes into the muffler, resonator, and catalytic converter before reaching the atmosphere.
- Tailpipe hangers - These are metal supports that hold onto the end of your vehicle's tailpipes to keep them in place.
Because the exhaust system consists of pipes that run under the passenger compartment and the mechanics of your car, it can be tricky to diagnose or fix. It also needs to be installed correctly so as not to block airflow in case of malfunction or debris.
One of the signs of a damaged exhaust system is a noisy muffler. This can be caused by:
- Rust - Rust can build up over time and cause holes. This rust can be caused by corrosion from chemicals released from the catalytic converter, or from moisture from water that got into your exhaust system, either through a hole or improper installation.
- Bent tailpipe - A bent tailpipe is also a common cause of noise because it can have an uneven surface that causes friction between the muffler and the tailpipe.
- Dried-out gaskets - The seal or gasket that is designed to keep fumes from leaking out of your tailpipes can dry out and cause leaks to occur.
- Misalignment - If the muffler isn't correctly aligned with the rest of your car's exhaust system, you may find a leaking building up at that point. This misalignment could be caused by road damage, or rusting.
Schedule a Repair
An exhaust system is an important component in a car and is usually installed by a professional. It is particularly important when it comes to fuel efficiency since it can help your car run better, and also protect your health. If you're wondering what does an exhaust system consist of and which parts need to be repaired, contact a certified technician for full diagnostics.
Wondering what does a full exhaust system service consist of? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information and to schedule an inspection of the muffler and exhaust system. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
