P3 Automotive: Exhaust – Muffler

A well-maintained exhaust system helps increase fuel economy, enhance safety and lessen pollution by carrying away combustion gases. Even though there are no inspection requirements for vehicle licensure from the state of Florida, your mechanic should check to be sure there are no holes in your vehicle’s exhaust system–or in the passenger compartment allowing fumes to enter. 

Vehicle Exhaust System Components and Function 

  • Exhaust manifold: Combines exhaust from cylinders into one pipe.
  • Oxygen sensor: Inside or close to the manifold on fuel injected cars, this sensor measures the amount of oxygen in your car’s exhaust, helping it calculate the best mixture to increase gas mileage.
  • Catalytic converter: The muffler-like component that converts carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons to water vapor and carbon dioxide and may reduce harmful nitrogen oxide.
  • Muffler: Quiets exhaust (combustion explosions) using baffles and fiberglass packing to deflect/absorb sounds. Two thin metal layers with a thick, insulated layer in between, help to absorb sound. Perforated inlet and outlet pipes allow sound waves to bounce, cancel one another and get absorbed by the muffler housing.
  • Exhaust pipe: Carries the gas out the tail pipe.
  • Resonator: For even quieter operation, some higher-end cars have this additional exhaust component that looks like a muffler. It reflects sound to cancel out certain frequencies. 

Common Exhaust System Problems 

  • Rust: Moisture in exhaust (and in the outside air) reacts with the iron/steel to create iron oxide. Short trips (under 15 miles) stress your exhaust system since water vapor in the pipes condenses, turning back into liquid. Consider replacing plain steel with stainless when your pipes rust through.
  • Bad gas mileage: The O2 sensor may have worn out, allowing a richer fuel mixture than necessary. The check engine light will probably come on to alert you. Consider changing out the oxygen sensor every 60,000 miles as a precaution, even if the check engine light isn’t on, to save gas.
  • Muffler rust-through: If you plan to keep your car for a while, spend a bit extra for an OEM or high quality muffler.
  • Clogged catalytic converter: Should be replaced.

Signs of Exhaust or Muffler Problems

  • Loss of power
  • Heat coming from the floor of your car
  • Red, glowing converter
  • Sulfurous odor 

Let P3 Help Prevent or Repair Exhaust or Muffler Issues 

We’ll test and inspect your exhaust system, troubleshoot any problems and provide repairs or replacement parts quickly and affordably.

 

P3 Automotive

Quiet the Noise and Breathe Easier with a Healthy Exhaust System

Visit P3 Automotive at: 1031 South Magnolia Drive Tallahassee, FL 32301

Call us at (850) 877-8811