What Is the Purpose of an Exhaust Emission System?
Your vehicle’s exhaust system is designed to take care of toxic emissions your car produces. It will 1) direct harmful hydrocarbons away from the driver and passengers, and 2) reduce the air pollution your car releases into the environment, helping keep the air clean. An additional benefit is that the exhaust system significantly reduces the amount of noise your car makes. An exhaust system in working order will keep your car sounding pleasant as it runs and will reduce noxious gases.
Where is my car’s exhaust system?
The part of the exhaust system you can easily see is the exhaust pipe under the back of your car, but the entire system is actually much larger and more involved than that. The entire exhaust system runs from just behind the engine and along the underside of your vehicle, ending with the tailpipe.
How does an exhaust system work?
- As your car emits fumes, the exhaust manifolds—the part of the system connected directly to the engine—harness the gases into the system.
- At this point, your car’s catalytic converter takes charge. It takes the gases in the system, analyses them, and transforms them into matter that is either less harmful or not harmful at all.
- This is a noisy process. Your vehicle’s muffler is what helps keep it quiet.
- What’s left of the gases exits your car through the tailpipe.
How will I know if my exhaust system needs a repair?
One of the first things people notice when their exhaust system is malfunctioning is the amount of noise their cars make. Your car will begin to sound much more unpleasant if the muffler is out of order. Another sign is having to stop by the gas station more often, as the exhaust system affects your car’s air-fuel mixture. Additionally, your car’s check engine light might come on. Once you notice one of these signs, get to a repair shop as soon as you can. Waiting to fix this can damage your car and will result in a more expensive repair.
Sometimes, though, problems with your exhaust system may go unnoticed without a professional inspection. For this reason and others, it’s a good idea to have a mechanic inspect your vehicle at least once per year.
