Look after your Exhaust System to Ensure Peak Engine Performance
Posted on May 16, 2008
Filed Under Automotive |
An automobile’s performance and efficiency is due to the many systems it has working together in unison. One of the systems that is very important for an efficienct vehicle, is the exhaust system.
A common misconception is that an exhaust system’s job is only to carry all of the knoxious fumes and gases away from the engine. It is also responsible, in part, to the performance, fuel efficiency and satisfactory driving of the vehicle.
What effect does a healthy exhaust system have on you car’s performance?
First of all, lets look at the different parts that make up a complete exhaust system: These are the Muffler, exhaust pipe, catalytic converter and exhaust manifold. Each of these parts has an important function.
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.
There are basically two types of exhaust systems: the Dual or Twin Exhaust System and the Emission Control System.
The Twin Exhaust System
A Twin Exhaust system allows for faster expulsion of the exhaust gases. Having a twin exhaust system can have significant effect on a vehicles horsepower, by expelling more of the gases from the combustion chamber at a quicker rate on every stroke.
An Emmision Control System
There are two different ways that Emission control systems ‘Clean’ the gases that exit your vehicle. Some do it by way of a catalytic converter that turns harmful fumes into harmless ones. Other do it by halting the formation of pollutants at the engine.
Exhaust System Components:
1. The Manifold - this component attaches the exhaust system to the engine at the comustion chambers and is usually made of cast iron.
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. The Exhaust pipe - This component is made of steel and channels the gases all the way down to the tail pipes.
Get you exhaust system checked regularly. This way you can can catch any problems or damage early before it affects the performance or safe running of your vehicle. Problems like a glowing or blocked catalytic converter can be very serious and it should be replaced immediately.
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