Usually, when your exhaust fails, everyone else knows it too. Most times, your car will make a horrible, rumbling noise. Although a loud car can be an embarrassment, a malfunctioning exhaust can have other negative effects. When you’re searching for exhaust shops near me, visit Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.
Parts Of Your Exhaust System
Combustion engines burn gasoline to power your car. A spark causes the oxygen and gas mix to ignite releasing energy. Furthermore, during this burning process, the original substances change their molecular structure creating byproducts. Several exhaust parts work together to remove these byproducts from the engine and alter them into less dangerous substances:
1. Exhaust Manifold
The exhaust manifold collects the harmful fumes once a cycle of the combustion process is complete. Removing these byproducts is crucial to prepare for the next combustion cycle.
2. Oxygen Sensors
These devices measure the amount of unburned oxygen in the exhaust. It then relays this information to the electronic control unit (ECU) to help determine the right air-to-fuel ratio. You’ll find an oxygen sensor in the manifold and near the catalytic converter.
3. Catalytic Converter
Generally, the 3 most harmful pollutants in exhaust are carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOX), and unburned hydrocarbons (HC). As exhaust fumes pass through the catalytic converter, the metals inside increase the rate of chemical reactions. Thus, the harmful pollutants change into less harmful substances like water vapor and carbon dioxide.
4. Muffler
In addition to producing pollutants, the combustion engine creates loud, pulsating sounds that reverberate throughout the system. Engineers design mufflers to reflect sound waves into each other thereby canceling each other and eliminating most of the noise.
5. Exhaust Pipe
Finally, the exhaust pipe connects all the parts together and transports the fumes into the outside air.
Rust And Corrosion Are Deadly
Modern car parts do last longer than those of years ago. Moreover, many components of an exhaust system don’t need frequent replacement. However, your exhaust is susceptible to rust and corrosion.
First, the combustion process releases acidic moisture into the system. Usually, this moisture will evaporate during longer driving times. However, frequent short trips allow water vapor to collect in the exhaust system. The water reacts with the metal and rusting begins.
Another form of corrosion occurs with de-icing chemicals. Municipalities use certain chemicals to melt snow and ice for safer driving. However, these substances are extremely corrosive and speed up the rusting process. Unfortunately, automakers place many of your exhaust components underneath your car in the direct path of these chemicals.
Additionally, driving over speed bumps too quickly or hitting a pothole can cause your undercarriage to scrape the asphalt. Plus, running over road debris can also damage your exhaust system.
Symptoms Of Failing Exhaust Components
Usually, you may experience any number of issues of driving with a faulty system:
- Loud noise
- Power loss
- Reduced fuel economy
- Odors
- Visible damage
If you notice any of these problems, you should have a technician examine your vehicle as soon as possible. Not only are cars with broken mufflers loud, but they can also be dangerous. You may be releasing toxic chemicals into the environment that can also leak into your cabin.
Furthermore, long-term exposure to exhaust fumes can also cause organ damage. Furthermore, breathing in high concentrations of carbon monoxide can cause death in minutes.
Exhaust Shops Near Me – FAQs
Sifting through exhaust shops near me to find a trusted establishment just got easier! Xpress Lube has been a reliable friend to many of your neighbors. Below, we answer a few commonly asked questions about your exhaust.
What Kind Of Muffler Should I Get?
Automobiles can have a single or dual exhaust system as well as different diameters of exhaust pipes. Plus, cars vary in ground clearance – the distance between the undercarriage and the road. In addition to considering these factors, manufacturers construct 3 different types of mufflers:
- Straight-through
- Chambered
- Turbo
If you’re not sure what’s the best option for your vehicle, stop by Xpress Lube. Our technicians can explain the various types and help you decide which is best for your car and driving habits.
Can I Do Any Maintenance To Make Parts Last Longer?
Since deicing chemicals are the primary cause of undercarriage corrosion, it’s important to wash these substances off. Frequent car washing that includes undercarriage can remove these contaminants.
Moreover, Xpress Lube has a modern car wash facility with one-time washes beginning at only $8. Additionally, we offer a monthly pass giving you unlimited car washes for those months when your car gets dirtier.
We use premium products like Armor-All®, Rain•X®, Black Magic®, and Luminaura®. Plus, we recycle our water, a higher percentage than the competition. And for a spot and streak-free shine, our strong jets of heated air blow away the water.
Do You Have Gift Cards?
Yes! Our gift cards are great for elderly relatives or hard-to-buy family members or friends. You can use these for any of our services including car washes and oil changes. Plus, we offer them in any amount up to $100. Simply stop by our shop at 725 Hwy 66 South in Kernersville.
What Other Services Do You Offer?
The next time you’re searching for exhaust shops near me, visit Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville. We’re a full-service auto shop offering maintenance and repair work on both foreign and domestic vehicles. If you have issues such as sputtering, faulty breaks, low fluid or nearly anything else, we can help! Moreover, if you’re due for an inspection, we can do that too. Plus, our car wash and detailing services can help protect your investment. Call us today at 336-993-7697 to make an appointment or use our easy online form.