Tips and Tricks for Vehicle Owners
Your car’s engine operates by combusting gasoline. It actually runs on a series of explosions. Those explosions create force that drives the engine’s pistons, turns the crankshaft, and eventually provides power to the wheels. However, one side effect of how internal combustion engines operate is the creation of exhaust fumes. Exhaust systems serve to vent those fumes from the engine, but they do much more than that.
Modern Exhaust Systems
Once upon a time, exhaust systems really did nothing more than provide a way for exhaust fumes to travel from the engine block to the rear of the vehicle. Today, that’s not the case. Advanced exhaust systems actually monitor the amount of specific gases and fumes within your exhaust, and burn off many harmful toxins that would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere. Oxygen sensors monitor the system, and catalytic converters burn off toxins.
Problems with Exhaust Systems
Modern exhaust systems are designed to withstand serious wear and tear, hard use and last for a long time. However, that doesn’t mean they’re impervious to harm. A number of problems can develop with your exhaust system that will necessitate repairs or replacement.
One of the most common problems is rusting in the muffler – once your muffler rusts out, it must be replaced. Another problem is catalytic converter failure. If you have a bolt-on cat, replacing it is simple, but if it’s made into the pipe, then you’ll have to replace the entire section of exhaust pipe as well as the converter.
Finally, oxygen sensors fail from time to time. Depending on the type of vehicle you’re driving, you have between two and eight oxygen sensors installed in the exhaust system. Replacing the correct sensor will require the assistance of a skilled Weston mechanic who can diagnose the correct sensor and provide an OEM replacement part.