What does an exhaust system consist of?

Many people may not know what an exhaust system does, but this is an essential component of your car. It helps clean the engine by getting rid of the toxic fumes that you would otherwise be breathing in. The system also removes a lot of heat from the engine which means less energy it needs to work and your car will use less fuel.

What does an exhaust system consist of?

An exhaust system consists of a pipe running from the engine and out through the vehicle, a muffler that helps to reduce the noise, along with catalyst that helps to reduce the amount of toxic gases produced by the engine. Now that we've answered the question what does an exhaust system consist of, let's look at why keeping this system running smoothly is essential.

Why you should handle any muffler repair problems

1. To eliminate toxic fumes

Exhaust gases contain toxins such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen dioxide. These toxins can cause damage to your health if you are exposed to them for an extended period of time. The pollutants are also linked to cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems.

The muffler will help eliminate the fumes that are emitted from the car. This will also reduce any damage to people's health in your neighborhood.

2. For the car to run more efficiently

A muffler helps to reduce the amount of heat that is produced by the engine. This means that it can run cooler and with less fuel. This will mean that your car will have an extended engine life as well as save you money at the gas station.

3. Reduce noise pollution

Cars are not meant to be quiet, so hearing the car engine is okay. However, it should not be too loud or it can be annoying and even painful when you have to listen to it for a prolonged period of time.

Your car will produce less noise when you have a muffler in place and this also means that you do not need to worry about disturbing other people.

Your car needs an exhaust system to work effectively. If you have any concerns about the condition of your muffler, contact a mechanic today and get it repaired.

Wondering what does a full exhaust system service consist of? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care for more information about mufflers and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

How Do You Know If You Need A New Muffler?

Mufflers are required components on all vehicles that run on U.S. roads.  The job of the muffler main purposes is to reduce the noise produced by the exhaust system, so a sudden loud noise while accelerating could mean that the muffler is no longer working. Unfortunately, because mufflers are most effective when unheard and unseen, they are also out of mind”, “out of sight when it comes to maintenance. 

Typically, mufflers can last 5 to 7 years on most vehicles.  Of course, there are some conditions that can cause a muffler to go bad sooner than that, such as:

• Driving on salted roads in wintry conditions, or living near the ocean. 
• Hitting potholes, speed bumps, or other objects in the road.
• Excessive use or changing the design not recommended by the manufacturer.
• Condensation from the exhaust pipes causing rust in the muffler.

So how do you know if you need a new muffler? Regardless of the cause, there are several signs that either the exhaust system wants help:

1. Your muffler is making loud Noise – A muffler in good condition will operate quietly in the background. Exhaust noise that is louder than usual is generally the result of an exhaust leak in the muffler, caused from a hole or other damage to the muffler, losing its efficiency in directing emissions away from the vehicle and reducing engine noise.  It can really increase the noise by causing misfiring in the engine, particularly when slowing down. 
2. Decreased Fuel Efficiency – An exhaust system that is working correctly will mean better fuel economy.  If there is an issue, you will notice that you are filling up the tank more frequently.
3. Bad odor – This is one of the most dangerous issues of a bad muffler and exhaust system.  If there is a leak or other issue, it could cause the fumes to become trapped.  This is hazardous for the health of passengers, which could lead to sickness or even death. If you smell anything unusual, have your exhaust system checked by a certified auto mechanic as soon as possible.

Do you want to know more about how do you know if you need a new muffler? Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care for more information about your vehicle’s exhaust system and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and surrounding area.

Wondering what does a Muffler do for Your Car?

As long as your vehicle runs quietly, you may not give your muffler a second thought.  Many people don’t know exactly what their muffler does until it starts to sound like a roaring monster. Did you know that the muffler’s main job is to control engine noise?  Thus, noise is the biggest indication of muffler issues. 

So just how does a muffler work?  Inside a muffler are a set of perforated tubes.  These tubes reflect the sound waves produced by the engine to minimize the noise that eventually leaves your vehicle.  The exhaust, along with the sound waves, enters the muffler through a center tube bouncing off the back wall of the muffler and then pushed into the main body. Once in the main body of the muffler, they pass through a series of holes that takes them through the last chamber and out the exit pipe.

So what does a muffler for your car?  Here are two big reasons why a correctly working muffler and exhaust system are so vital:

• Noise Control -- As your engine runs, it generates thousands of little sound bursts as highly pressurized gas is released. These sounds travel down the exhaust pipe.  If not for the muffler, these sounds would be very loud. Different types of mufflers will give you different sounds. Whether you want to make your vehicle as quiet as potential or get a deep growling sound, there is a muffler out there for you!
• Performance Enhancement -- Mufflers are also used to increase the performance of your vehicle. Basically, the faster your engine can get rid of exhaust gases, the faster it can take in oxygen and generate more power.   Because noise levels of mufflers are strictly monitored, muffler experts have created many efficient designs that minimize exhaust exit time while still keeping in line with noise regulations.

Tip to Remember:  At the first sign of exhaust issues, such as a noisy muffler, decreased fuel mileage, or a bad odor, schedule a checkup as soon as potential to prevent bigger and more costly issues with your exhaust system.

Need to know more about what does a muffler do for your car?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about mufflers and exhaust systems and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and surrounding area.