If you find yourself constantly
replacing exhaust system components, it may not be because of faulty
parts. The problem may be you and your driving habits. When you
understand how your exhaust system works as a unit, you will see how
early system failure can occur.
Understanding catalytic converters
The catalytic converter in your vehicle is located after the exhaust manifold and before the muffler. This part is designed to reduce the harmful byproducts from your engine's exhaust and convert the byproducts into less harmful elements. The exhaust emitted from your vehicle contains carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), and nitrogen oxide (NOx).
These harmful elements are converted chemically to produce less harmful emissions. The HC and CO change to carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O), in vapor form. NOx changes into CO2, H2O, and nitrogen (N2). The change of these elements into water is where your exhaust system may run into trouble.
There are some things you can do, or avoid doing, to maintain the life of your catalytic converter. Leaded fuels can destroy your converter quickly. The lead will coat the inside of the converter and prevent the catalysts from doing their job. While fuel in the U.S. is unleaded, some fuel or engine additives may contain lead.
Muffler and tailpipe failure
The water, or water vapor, that is created by your catalytic converter is what can cause early failure in the rest of your exhaust system. As your vehicle runs, the muffler and tail pipe heat up and evaporate the water in the exhaust. If you only drive your vehicle for very short time periods, the exhaust system may not heat up enough to evaporate the water.
Water remaining in the muffler and tailpipe will cause early corrosion. While this will often occur more frequently in winter months, it can occur all year. You do not necessarily need to drive for longer periods every day, just ensure that you do drive long enough a couple of times a week to eliminate the water in the system.
Hangers
The hangers and attachment pieces for your exhaust system hold it in place. These parts often rust quickly and then break. Replace broken hangers as quickly as possible. Even if your muffler or tail pipe is not dragging on the ground, it has less support. More vibration across the exhaust system will cause parts to disconnect or otherwise stable hangers to break.
Helping your exhaust system remain intact for its normally expected lifespan is not very difficult. Avoid using fuel additives that can damage your catalytic converter. Replace broken components quickly to reduce the stress on the rest of the system. Finally, run your vehicle for long enough to heat up the muffler and tail pipe to evaporate the water inside.
Understanding catalytic converters
The catalytic converter in your vehicle is located after the exhaust manifold and before the muffler. This part is designed to reduce the harmful byproducts from your engine's exhaust and convert the byproducts into less harmful elements. The exhaust emitted from your vehicle contains carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), and nitrogen oxide (NOx).
These harmful elements are converted chemically to produce less harmful emissions. The HC and CO change to carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O), in vapor form. NOx changes into CO2, H2O, and nitrogen (N2). The change of these elements into water is where your exhaust system may run into trouble.
There are some things you can do, or avoid doing, to maintain the life of your catalytic converter. Leaded fuels can destroy your converter quickly. The lead will coat the inside of the converter and prevent the catalysts from doing their job. While fuel in the U.S. is unleaded, some fuel or engine additives may contain lead.
Muffler and tailpipe failure
The water, or water vapor, that is created by your catalytic converter is what can cause early failure in the rest of your exhaust system. As your vehicle runs, the muffler and tail pipe heat up and evaporate the water in the exhaust. If you only drive your vehicle for very short time periods, the exhaust system may not heat up enough to evaporate the water.
Water remaining in the muffler and tailpipe will cause early corrosion. While this will often occur more frequently in winter months, it can occur all year. You do not necessarily need to drive for longer periods every day, just ensure that you do drive long enough a couple of times a week to eliminate the water in the system.
Hangers
The hangers and attachment pieces for your exhaust system hold it in place. These parts often rust quickly and then break. Replace broken hangers as quickly as possible. Even if your muffler or tail pipe is not dragging on the ground, it has less support. More vibration across the exhaust system will cause parts to disconnect or otherwise stable hangers to break.
Helping your exhaust system remain intact for its normally expected lifespan is not very difficult. Avoid using fuel additives that can damage your catalytic converter. Replace broken components quickly to reduce the stress on the rest of the system. Finally, run your vehicle for long enough to heat up the muffler and tail pipe to evaporate the water inside.
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