Every car that runs on gas has an exhaust system that helps cars run smoothly, keep emissions in check and muffle the noise.
But have you wondered what it is and how it works? In this article we will explain exactly that, so read on.
Here’s A Car Exhaust System Purpose and Components
The car exhaust system helps emit the burnt residual fuel & air (harmful hydrocarbons) in the engine to safely direct away from the driver and passengers while purifying the harmful emissions in the process. It also helps with the optimum performance of the car and keeps the noise levels down. A car exhaust system is made of a Manifold, Catalytic Converter, Resonator, Catback, Muffler, and Tailpipe. In addition, it includes various sensors in the system such as an O2 sensor to keep a check on polluted fumes.
Understanding The Purpose Of Car Exhaust System
The car exhaust system has various functions as mentioned below:
- Emmit and direct harmful gases such as harmful hydrocarbons away from the diver and passenger
- Purify some of the toxic gases in the process and keep the environment clean
- Reduce noise levels of the car
- Maintain the optimum performance of the car engine
Various Components Of Car Exhaust System
When you look at your car from behind you can usually see the tailpipe of the exhaust system. But that is just the end part of your car’s exhaust system.
Below are all the components of a car exhaust system:
1. Exhaust Manifold
The exhaust manifold is the first part of the exhaust system that is connected to the engine.
As the car generates and emits the fumes, the exhaust manifold collects and intakes them into the exhaust system.
There are different types of exhaust manifolds available and can differ depending on your car’s make and model.
Check out this excellent article on the purpose of Exhaust manifolds: What Is The Purpose Of Exhaust Manifolds In A Car? (Explained).
2. Catalytic Converter
A catalytic converter as the name suggests is the part of the car’s exhaust system, where the harmful gases from the internal combustion engine are converted to less harmful or clean as much as possible before releasing them into the environment.
Catalytic converters are made of precious materials such as palladium, rhodium, and platinum and work at high temperatures which is why they are usually placed closer to the engine.
3. Resonator
The resonator in an exhaust system is located between the catalytic converter and muffler and is used to suppress the annoying high-pitched noises, engine drones, deep hums, and vibrational buzz.
The resonator doesn’t lower the volume or decibels of the car noise (unlike the muffler) but instead tries to tune the sound.
The resonator actually complements the muffler, making the car sound pleasant to the human ear.
4. Catback Exhaust
The Catback exhaust in a car exhaust system is the piping that makes the exhaust fit your car’s length.
Catback is usually all the parts that are placed after the catalytic converter, hence the name Catback (i.e behind the Catalytic converter).
Catback exhaust is usually used for the below reasons:
- Different and improved appearance
- Different and improved sound
- Different and improved quality material e.g Stainless steel
- Improved performance and back pressure
- The existing Catback exhaust needs replacement due to wear and tear
5. Muffler
The muffler is located towards the rear end of the exhaust system and includes multiple chambers made of perforated tubes or baffles.
The muffler as the name suggests helps muffle and dampen the noise made by the car engine and the exhaust system.
There are codes across various US stages related to car noise pollution and the muffler helps keep the noise level to the minimum.
6. Exhaust Tailpipe
The exhaust tailpipe is the last part of the exhaust system. The tailpipe helps direct the remaining fumes exit into the environment.
Where’s Exhaust System Located?
The exhaust system is placed underneath your car and runs from the engine which is usually in front of the car to the back of the car.
The only where only visible section of the exhaust system is the tailpipe unless you lift the car on the ramp for inspection underneath.
