Exhaust

Your vehicle's exhaust system is responsible for:

• reducing noise levels
• directing dangerous fumes away from the passenger compartment
• controlling environmentally harmful emissions
• providing pressure to regulate the combustion process and help your vehicle run smoothly and efficiently

Want to know more about your exhaust system? Just click on any of components in the image below. For the most common signs of exhaust system problems, visit our Exhaust FAQ.

 

Your Exhaust System

Exhaust, Tail Pipes, Clamps and Hangers

Your exhaust pipe connects to the combustion chambers of your engine and removes the waste gases produced by burning the air/fuel mixture. These gases then travel through your tailpipe, which is especially designed to direct the modified gases away from your vehicle. Clamps, hangers, flanges and gaskets keep the components of your exhaust system firmly attached to your vehicle. The whole system should be regularly checked for clogs and blockages, and to ensure there are no cracks and wear caused by corrosion or external damage.

Oxygen Sensor

Your oxygen sensor continuously analyzes the amount of oxygen in the exhaust and transmits this information to your engine's fuel control computer. Based on this information, the computer will adjust the amount of fuel released to ensure the cleanest and most efficient mixture.

To help improve your fuel economy and engine performance, your oxygen sensor should be regularly checked for:

• cracks and wear caused by corrosion or external damage
• blocked intake openings
• damaged or loose wires
• contamination by oil or other engine fluids

Catalytic Converter

Your catalytic converter takes harmful emissions such as carbon monoxide, unburned gasoline and nitrogen oxides, and converts them into less harmful by-products. To ensure your vehicle's emissions fall within federal guidelines, your catalytic converter should be checked for:

• cracks, dents and wear caused by corrosion and road debris
• clogs or other blockage
• loose internal parts
• overheating (This will show as a discoloration in the metal.)

You can help prevent serious damage to your catalytic converter by ensuring your air filter and spark plugs are in good working order. As with all of your exhaust system components, undercoating will also reduce repairs by preventing damage from moisture, salt, dirt and rust.

Resonator

Your vehicle's resonator works with your muffler to reduce noise and pollution. To help keep your vehicle running quietly and idling smoothly, your resonator should be checked for:

• loose or rusted connectors
• loose internal parts
• cracks, dents and wear caused by corrosion and road debris, especially around the front and back seams

Muffler

Your muffler uses a series of chambers, baffles and tubes to reduce exhaust noise while providing the correct level of pressure needed to keep your engine running smoothly. Your muffler should be regularly checked for:

• loose internal parts
• loose or rusted connectors
• cracks, dents and wear caused by corrosion and road debris

Save money. Stay safe on the road. Visit your local Coast Tire & Auto Service to have your exhaust system checked today.

Coast Tire & Auto Service
Real People. Real Service.