Under The Car

Under the Car

We’ve all heard that a car or truck in our neighborhoods needs a new muffler, but there is more to the exhaust system than just the muffler.

The exhaust system has three main functions:

To safely get hot exhaust gas from the engine out of the tailpipe

Treats the exhaust to remove harmful pollutants

Muffle the engine noise

Exhaust gas is poisonous. You don’t want it getting into the passenger compartment. For example, carbon monoxide can be deadly. That’s why you should never run your engine in a closed garage. If you leak into the exhaust system, the exhaust could get into the passenger cabin.

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 leak. Sometimes, the sound from an exhaust leak is loud and obvious. Sometimes, it’s 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’s cold but seals up when the metal heats and expands.

Now, let’s address the environmental issues. Exhaust gas contains a number of pollutants and particulates. The catalytic converter removes 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’re 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 occasionally.

And that leaves the muffler. The beauty of getting a new muffler is that you can suit your taste. Some want to whisper quietly, and others like a little rumble. And some like a roar when they drive down the road.