What Does An Exhaust System Include?

A vehicle’s exhaust system is much more complex than many drivers think. Regular maintenance is often overlooked because the only part that can be easily seen is the tailpipe at the back of the vehicle. The components of the exhaust system must all work together to do its job of . . . .

• Directing harmful gases away from the driver and passengers,
• Reducing the toxic emissions released into the environment,
• Controlling the delivery of hot exhaust,
• Providing information to the vehicle’s computer to improve vehicle performance, and
• Reducing the level of noise the vehicle makes.

What does an exhaust system include, you ask? The seven most important components of the exhaust system are:

• Exhaust pipe – Running under the length of the vehicle and connecting all the components of the exhaust system, this pipe routes the exhaust toward the rear of the vehicle, and keeps the hot exhaust away from the heat-sensitive engine compartment.
• Exhaust manifold – The manifold funnels the fuel-air mixture from the combustion chamber out through the exhaust pipe. Cracking, warping, and leaking due to broken mounting bolts are common problems that can occur.
• Oxygen sensor – Typically located in the exhaust pipe or manifold, it measures the ratio of oxygen to the exhaust gases and alerts the car's computer if the emission levels are not right. The computer can adjust the fuel to achieve the correct mixture for maximum fuel economy and optimal engine performance.
• Catalytic converter – This converts the toxic fuel emissions into less toxic pollutants, via a chemical reaction that changes carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons to water vapor and carbon dioxide, much less harmful to the environment.
• Resonator – As exhaust gases travel through an internal pipe (a resonator), noise is reduced by the sound waves bouncing around and canceling each other out.
• Muffler – To quiet the noise of the engine, one type of muffler uses baffled chambers. The other type forces the exhaust through a perforated pipe containing sound-absorbing material.
• Tailpipe – The final reduction in exhaust pressure, the tailpipe directs the gases away from the vehicle into the air.

Important Note: Schedule an inspection of the entire exhaust system with an ASE-certified technician to make all critical components are working efficiently.

Need to know more about what does an exhaust system include? Contact our ASE-certified technicians at Rebel Automotive for more information about the components of the exhaust system, including the muffler, and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.