Ensure Great Vehicle Performance with a Healthy Exhaust System

A vehicle is composed of several interrelated systems whose functions are necessary to its efficient performance. One of the systems that are often overlooked but are essentially important to the vehicle's maximum efficiency is the exhaust system.

The exhaust system has and number of uses. It carries harmful exhaust fumes away from the engine as well as being important in ensuring good fuel consumption. It is also crucial to smooth and satisfactory driving.

How does a healthy Exhaust System affect your car, truck, van or SUV's performance?

First off, let's take a brief review of the Exhaust system and then let's identify its major components: exhaust manifold, oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, muffler and exhaust pipe and their respective functions.

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.

Those gases are harmful to the environment and to us humans so they must be cleaned before they are sent out of the vehicle. With this essential task of the exhaust system, it becomes necessary for us to check it regularly for damages or corrosion that could adversely affect its proper functioning.

Exhaust system fall into two categories. These categories are the Dual or Twin Exhaust System or the Emission Control System.

The Dual 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.

The Emission 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 is where the gaseous wastes are turned into water vapor and carbon dioxide.

3. The Muffler - This component main task is to 'muffle' the sound that the engine exhaust make while it is running. It does this by soaking up the sound energy of the gases that travel through the exhaust pipe.

4. Exhaust Pipe - this part carries the gaseous waste out of the tail pipe. It is usually made of steel or stainless steel.

You should not delay the replacement of damaged exhaust system parts so that you avoid serious accidents and unwanted expenses. A clogged and glowing catalytic converter indicates serious problem so don't delay replacing it.

Article Source: http://www.a1-articledirectory.com

Robert C. Beiro has collected together many more car articles on subjects like making your car more fuel efficient. He is also the author of a selection of motoring articles that can be found at OldboyArticles.com.

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