Your exhaust is the lungs of your car. It’s responsible for breathing out engine gases, allowing your car to run efficiently. Without it, your car can’t run smoothly and it certainly won’t pass its MOT.
Having an exhaust is a legal requirement. You should check your exhaust regularly, as driving with a broken exhaust can lead to some big issues down the line, including higher fuel costs and potential health hazards.
Below, we answer a few common questions asked about exhausts.
What exhaust fits my car?
Not all exhausts are made equal. If you find yourself needing a new exhaust, getting the right one is essential. There are a lot of options out there, making it somewhat confusing if you don’t know your exhausts.
It’s true that some exhausts are universal and will fit on most vehicles, while certain types will only fit certain makes or models. When shopping for a new exhaust system, be sure to check it fits your car. Your local garage should be able to advise you.
Most models require the catalytic converter and stock exhaust system to remain a part of the exhaust system. The most common system is the cat-back system, which is easy to install. Larger vehicles will likely need a dual exhaust system.
A lot of older vehicles don’t have a catalytic converter. The more common system for these will be a header back system which typically includes all piping and mufflers. On any new exhaust system you’ll need to check that the header and header back system match.
We’d always recommend speaking to an experienced mechanic to understand your exhaust and which exhaust system will fit your car.
Are exhaust fumes dangerous?
Exhaust fumes are composed of several different gases, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, benzene, nitrogen, water vapour and other hydrocarbons. While water vapour and carbon dioxide won’t cause you any harm, benzene and carbon monoxide are very dangerous.
Exposure to benzene causes drowsiness, dizziness, heart palpitations, tremors, confusion and headaches. Long term exposure can lead to unconsciousness or even death. It’s also been linked to leukaemia. Fortunately, it’s easy to detect, thanks to its sweet smell. So, the risk of you being exposed for long without noticing is small.
Carbon monoxide is a deadly substance. It has no scent and you can’t see it, so you won’t necessarily know if you’ve been exposed. Exposure leads to carbon monoxide poisoning, the symptoms of which include headaches, light-headedness and confusion. It can also cause damage to some of your organs. However, if the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air is 1.28 percent or more, it can cause death in just a few minutes, making it extremely dangerous.
So, it’s best to limit your exposure to exhaust fumes. Ensuring your exhaust is working properly will help.
How your exhaust system works
An exhaust has four main functions, the first and most important being the outlet for fumes and gases. Your exhaust allows car fumes to safely exit your vehicle, without exposing you to all those chemicals.
Additionally, your exhaust helps improve your car by maintaining fuel efficiency, enhancing performance and reducing noise from the car’s internal reactions.
Your exhaust works by funneling gases away from the car’s engine and out of the car. The exhaust manifold diverts the gases, which then travel through the system’s catalytic converter. This removes harmful elements, converting them into inert gases, which pass through the muffler, reducing noise, before exiting via the tail pipe.
Read more about the different parts of your exhaust system on our blog.
When it comes to exhaust systems, the team at Freeway are experts. We can install, service and repair exhausts. Speak to our experienced mechanics for advice and guidance on looking after your car exhaust. Call today
Written on 1st December 2021