And it’s getting more and more important as the harmful emissions from cars have been found to be high up on the list of global pollutants.
The silencer box itself not only quietens the engine but also controls those gases, and it therefore needs to be kept in good nick. Here are the tips.
Right time, right place: Whenever you take your car to the shop and it gets put up on a lift, take the opportunity to check along the exhaust system for faults.
Hang in there: The metal hangers that hold the exhaust system up can corrode and break. When this happens it causes the pipes to sag and other parts or joints tend to take strain. So keep an eye on these.
React quickly: The exhaust system takes a lot of heat and pressure, so it’s only reasonable for it to bust a gasket now and again. Yes, an actual gasket, usually around the exhaust manifold. Leaks can also develop where pipes are connected or bent along the system, so check these for holes. Most times, if you’ve listened carefully to your car, you will detect a change in tone, a roughness, that can indicate you have a hole somewhere.
Rust never sleeps: Corrosion and rust can eat through pipes quickly, especially mild steel ones when you live near the ocean. Stainless lasts a whole lot longer but is pricey. Near the sea, it’s worth the extra moola.