Your car’s exhaust system has come a long way from the old days of exhaust pipes and mufflers. Today, the exhaust system is safety and emissions control rolled into one. Your vehicle’s exhaust system consists of one or more mufflers, one or more oxygen (O2) sensors, one or more catalytic converters, a tail pipe and an exhaust pipe.
The exhaust system routes dangerous exhaust gas from the engine out and away from the car to keep from affecting the occupants. Next, the exhaust system reduces exhaust noise from the engine. The catalytic converter reduces the level of harmful pollutants in the exhaust. Finally, the oxygen sensors mounted in the exhaust system monitor the level of oxygen in the exhaust gases to maintain efficient engine operation and monitor the converter’s operation.
“Have your car’s exhaust system inspected regularly,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “If you have any suspicions of a leak or any problems, have it checked out at once.”
According to the Car Care Council, several factors impact the need to replace exhaust system parts including: driving habits (short trips take their toll on exhaust system life), road conditions (salt, road spray and bumps), vehicle type and the age of exhaust system parts.
Symptoms of Exhaust System Wear:
- Loud noise
- Rattling noise when starting, accelerating or braking
- Drowsiness while driving
KEEP YOUR CAR POWERED
A vehicle’s starting and charging systems, along with the battery, help ensure dependable vehicle operation in all sorts of driving conditions. Make sure to check these systems regularly, according to the Car Care Council.
The starting, charging and battery system consists of spark plug wires, spark plugs, belts, alternator, starter, battery, ignition coil(s) and the ignition module. The battery stores electrical energy and the starter converts that energy into mechanical force to turn the engine for starting.
The alternator produces an electric current to replace what the starter used from the battery during start-up and to support electrical loads when the engine is running. An ignition module turns the low voltage supply to the ignition coil on and off, and the coil produces the high voltage for the ignition system.
This creates a spark at the spark plugs and ignites the air/fuel mixture in the engine. A belt transmits power from the front of the engine to the alternator’s pulley along with other accessories.
“You should test your battery every fall,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “If your car’s battery is three years old or more consider replacing it since the chances of failure increase. Regular care will improve your car’s dependability and lessen the chance of an inconvenient breakdown.”
Symptoms of Starting, Charging and Battery Wear:
- Headlight and interior lights dim
- “Check Engine” and/or battery light may come on
- Accessories fail to operate
Driving habits such as frequent engine on/off cycles will cause more wear on the starter than a simple trip back and forth to work. Other factors include driving and weather conditions, mileage, vehicle age and excessive electrical draws like in-vehicle entertainment systems.
