Driving down the road or around town, we’ve all heard a car or truck that sounds like it needs a new muffler. But there’s more to the exhaust system than just the muffler. The exhaust system has three main functions:
- Safely get hot exhaust gas from the engine out the tailpipe.
- Treat the exhaust to remove harmful pollutants.
- Muffle the engine noise.
Exhaust gas is poisonous. Drivers don’t want it getting into their passenger compartments. Most of us know that carbon monoxide can be deadly. That’s why you should never run your engine in a closed garage. If you have a leak somewhere in the exhaust system, exhaust could get into the passenger cabin and make you sick or even kill you.
If you smell exhaust in the vehicle, roll down your windows and get it inspected at Express Car Care in Denver. You may smell or see exhaust coming from the engine compartment or under the vehicle if you have a leak. Sometimes the sound from an exhaust leak is loud and obvious. Sometimes it’s a ticking sound when you start the engine that goes away as you drive. That could be a small crack or a bad fitting that leaks when it’s cold but seals up when the metal heats and expands.
Then there are the environmental issues to consider. Exhaust gas contains a number of pollutants and particulates. The catalytic converter scrubs some of those harmful substances. Diesel vehicles have systems that deal with soot. Catalytic converters eventually wear out and need to be replaced. They’re expensive, so you want to help them last as long as possible by keeping the fuel system clean and replacing your air filter. These components need to be tested for proper functioning with an emissions test from time to time. Then there’s the muffler.
The beauty of getting a new muffler is that you can suit your own taste. Some drivers want whisper quiet, some like a little rumble, and others like a roar. Give us a call and let us know how we can help.