Exhaust System Components and Maintenance

Posted March 1, 2022

Your vehicle’s exhaust system is one of those things you don’t notice… until you do.

Maybe you’ll smell leaking fluids. Or hear loud clicking and noises from the engine. Or see a billowing cloud of grey or green smoke lingering behind you on the road.

When everything is working properly, you’ll hardly ever have a reason to think about the exhaust system in your vehicle.

So what does the exhaust system do?

The exhaust system is made up of your vehicle’s exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, and pipes – all designed to move the waste from the engine out of the vehicle.

If an engine was 100% efficient, it would combust all of the fuel turning every drop into power for your vehicle. But because no engine is perfect, leftover fuel is left behind as exhaust.

Each component in the exhaust system has a specific job and is designed to safely move this dangerous chemicals and fumes from your engine and out of the vehicle.

Exhaust Components

Exhaust Manifold – This component connects to the engine and begins the flow of exhaust through the pipes and system components.

Catalytic Converter – Exhaust is, in simplest terms, pollution. The catalytic converter burns off and removes up to 90 percent of the toxins in your engine’s exhaust.

Muffler – The muffler and resonator address engine sound. Most work to reduce the noise to keep your car running as quietly as possible. Some custom mufflers are tuned for aggressive or specific tones, providing more sound as you drive through the city.

Pipes – Once it has traveled through these components, exhaust travels through remaining pipes to exit the vehicle. This also cools the fumes, but the primary purpose is traveling through the vehicle.

Exhaust Maintenance

Like every system in your vehicle, the pipes and exhaust components undergo wear and tear from normal driving conditions. The harsh chemicals in the exhaust can degrade the interior, while road debris and corrosion cause damage on the exterior.

Corrosion or loose connections can create leaks in the exhaust system. If you have a leak, you’ll likely know right away from these warning signs: exhaust sounds, loud clicking or knocking, exhaust smells or noise from engine.

If the leak occurs before the exhaust reaches the catalytic converter, your vehicle pours the toxic fumes into the atmosphere, which can be dangerous for you, your passengers, your vehicle, and the environment. Have the leak inspected and repaired right away.

Call our team of certified technicians if you notice any issues with your vehicles exhaust, including strange noises, smells, leaks, or visible exhaust. The auto experts at our White Bear Lake auto repair shop will inspect your vehicle, repair any leaks or damage, and get you back on the road even faster! Schedule your appointment online or call 651-426-0462.