A growling problem, i.e. when to replace an exhaust in the car

On a daily basis, you can hardly see it and do not pay any attention to it. It works, if it does not work, then there is no tragedy - some drivers think. They make a mistake because a neglected exhaust system, as this is what we are talking about, can lead to a series of onerous and expensive breakdowns.

What does exhaust do?

When we think about it, it turns out that the car is driven by a series of micro explosions of the fuel and air mixture. These explosions give their energy to the engine, and it transfers the power to the wheels.

The side effect of this work is noise and harmful smoke, which is properly processed into the atmosphere through the exhaust system. Nowadays, the exhaust has to deal with three basic things: 1) silencing the engine, 2) discharging exhaust gases from the system, 3) cleaning them in accordance with the applicable EURO standards.

It growls, fumes, shimmies – should we replace the exhaust?

Of course! However, it is worth checking what exactly broke down. The final parts of the exhaust system (final silencer and middle silencer) are the most exposed to damage and wear. The initial elements of the exhaust, such as the collector, collector pipe or even the catalyst, are heated more strongly because they are closer to the engine. Thanks to this, they get a higher temperature faster. When driving on short routes, the middle and final silencers do not manage to warm up properly, and the condensed exhaust, instead of evaporating, can start the process of corrosion.

In addition to the very action of nature, mechanical damage of the exhaust itself can arise as a result of driving on a stone, curb.

What is the risk of driving with a damaged exhaust system?

Every fault, both mechanical and electronic (in this case the fault of the lambda probe), affects our cars. Although damage to the front of the exhaust system is particularly dangerous, the greatest discomfort causes damage to the final or middle silencer.

Damaged components interfere with the lambda probe, cause excessive emission of harmful gases to the atmosphere and have a serious impact on the dynamics, combustion and durability of the engine.

Damage to the exhaust itself can draw the attention of the uniformed services, which scrupulously check the volume, tightness and quality of exhaust gases from our car.

As the exhaust system is not so fragile and vulnerable as a rule, there are no indications regarding its replacement and wear. It is best to look after our cars, listen to the exhalation once in a while, and check briefly if there is anything fuming or giving excessive noise.