The importance of an exhaust system in your vehicle comes from the fact that it’s critical to your health and the environment. Your car’s exhaust system is responsible for carrying away harmful emissions like carbon monoxide when air and fuel burn in the combustion chamber. Without it, toxic gases would creep into your automotive cabin and cause adverse health side effects.
Discover how your vehicle’s exhaust system components work together by continuing below.
Exhaust Manifold
The exhaust manifold is the first section of the exhaust system. This component funnels all gases from connected cylinders and directs them toward the catalytic converter. The exhaust manifold bolts to the engine, and its size may depend on the number of cylinders the engine carries.
Catalytic Converter
This crucial component is responsible for converting toxic fumes like carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into less harmful byproducts. The result is water vapor and carbon dioxide.
Without a catalytic converter, your vehicle may no longer have the ability to reduce harmful emissions, making it dangerous to drive.
Oxygen Sensor
Oxygen sensors help regulate your vehicle engine’s air-to-fuel ratio. Sensors are present in all modern car exhaust systems and detect how much oxygen is present. The sensors then send the information to the vehicle’s computer and calculate the fuel needed to achieve maximum fuel economy.
Oxygen sensors also support the catalytic converter filtering air through the exhaust system.
Exhaust Joints
Exhaust flex joints help support the vehicle’s system by providing flexibility and vibration at the exhaust manifold. These components also absorb the thermal expansion of piping. Broken joints may sometimes leak exhaust fumes and require a pipe sealer to cure.
Hangers
Exhaust hangers contain a series of rubber mounts locked into the car’s underside. The hanger keeps the exhaust pipe in place and prevents it from scraping the ground. A broken hanger can significantly impact your exhaust system and require immediate repair.
Muffler
The muffler in your exhaust system is essential to sound minimization. Mufflers aid in dampening emissions and engine noise. Given the combustion process created by the engine, mufflers can dissipate the loud sounds of a series of small explosions to ensure your vehicle runs quietly.
Knowing how your vehicle’s exhaust system components work together may give you a more thorough insight into its encompassing function and importance. You’ll want to perform routine checks on all parts to ensure proper operation and safety.
