When most drivers think of vehicle maintenance, the engine, brakes, or tires come to mind. But the exhaust system, including the catalytic converter, on your car is no less important for the safety of the vehicle and the environment.
At America 1st Automotive, maintaining a healthy exhaust system is not just a good idea – it’s necessary. Let’s examine why this system deserves your attention.
The exhaust system is tasked with guiding toxic gases away from a controlled combustion inside a car’s engine, dampening the noise of the engine, reducing air pollution, and so much more, and doing it all while pumping out as few emissions as possible. Key components include:
Each one has a vital function: Keeping your engine efficient, reducing noise and ensuring poisonous fumes aren’t finding their way into your car.
Your vehicle’s catalytic converter is positioned between the engine and the muffler and is an important part of your car’s emissions control system. It turns dangerous gases like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides into less harmful ones, like carbon dioxide and water vapor.
A bad catalytic converter results in poor engine performance, higher emissions, and a failed emissions test.
There are often indicators that your car will give you if something’s off in the exhaust system. Here are some red flags to look out for:
If any of these are happening to your vehicle, you definitely need to take it to your mechanic; it would be best to take the vehicle in.
Safety First
A leaking or faulty exhaust system can let poisonous gases, like carbon monoxide, seep into the cabin. This gas is odorless and very harmful, and it can make you dizzy, sick — or worse.
Better Fuel Economy
A properly functioning exhaust is crucial to the smooth running of a vehicle. Issues such as clogged catalytic converters or malfunctioning oxygen sensors can prompt your engine to burn more fuel than it needs.
Performance and Power
Limited airflow through the exhaust because of exhaust restriction ruin your engine’s performance and can also cause internal engine damage if driven with a restricted exhaust. You will feel the acceleration is slow or the idling isn’t smooth.
Environmental Responsibility
Cars with non-functional emissions systems emit far more pollutants. Good upkeep also helps reduce one’s carbon footprint and comply with environmental regulations.
Avoid Costly Repairs
It’s a whole lot cheaper to catch exhaust issues early—say, a small leak or sensor failure—than to replace a catalytic converter or overhaul a rusted-out system. Periodically performing BG Induction Services can help increase the lifespan of a catalytic converter as well.
Our ASE Certified technicians at America 1st Automotive perform complete exhaust system inspections and repairs. We check for:
If it’s time for replacement, we only install top-of-the-line OEM or comparable parts and make sure everything is installed correctly per the manufacturer.
The next post will be about Fleet Vehicle Management