For your car engine to function efficiently, engineers have designed a sophisticated system to evacuate exhaust gases from the combustion chamber. These gases are a byproduct of the controlled explosion necessary to provide power, and they need to be carefully processed before they can be released into the outside air. If your car is to work properly, therefore, and you are to stay within strict legal limits, you need to ensure that the exhaust system is always in good repair. What are some signs that it may not be?

Starts with the Manifold

The exhaust system is made up of many different components.

To begin with, a heavy-duty piece called the manifold (normally made from cast iron) gathers all the raw gas from each cylinder. If you have a four-cylinder car, then you will have four different ports on one side of the manifold, and these will be gathered into one pipe at the other side.

EGR

A modern-day car is quite sophisticated, and there may be a separate valve attached here that is designed to return some of the exhaust gas to the intake manifold. This will help to keep temperatures down and by doing so, reduce the amount of harmful gas emitted.

Linking Parts

Vehicle manufacturers need to design an exhaust pipe system that can twist and turn through the frame of the car and down underneath the floor. These pipes are bolted together and as they are generally protected from moisture and debris, tend to last quite well.

Farther down

Beneath the car, however, the pipe is often exposed to the elements and can certainly wear down. Here you will also find the catalytic converter and often the silencer box, designed to process the exhaust gases further as they leave.

Legality

The catalytic converter is a very important part as it is meant to process the gas in accordance with stringent federal regulation. You need to ensure that this part is kept in good repair as well, or you may well fail an emissions test.

Vulnerability

The exhaust pipe underneath the car may corrode with time or could be punctured by sharp stones thrown up by the wheels. If this is the case, you may notice a considerable reduction in efficiency and may pay more for your fuel at the pump. The engine may also be down on power, and you may also notice a whistling noise that signifies a rupture in the system. Furthermore, the "check engine" light may appear on the dashboard, prompting a technician to check the on-board computer.

Taking Swift Action

If your exhaust system is in need of repair due to failure or damage, do not delay. If you do, it may cost you more to eventually fix the problem, and due to a loss of compression, you may run into engine issues as well. Contact a car repair service today.