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Exhaust

Most people think mufflers just keep their car quiet. While that's a big part of the job, there's a lot more to it. The muffler is just one component in the exhaust emission system, which is responsible not only for cutting down on noise pollution, but for cutting down on air pollution, too.

How It Works
Your exhaust emission system really starts at the front of your car, right behind your engine. Exhaust pipes connect to the cylinder heads, where they collect exhaust gases. As the gases move through the system, they're first analyzed by oxygen sensors, then refined by the catalytic converter and, finally, muffled by the muffler. So by the time those gases leave the vehicle, your emission system has made your car run smoother, cleaner, and quieter.

It's a pretty complex system, but the expert mechanics at Midas can diagnose the problem and get you right back on the road.

Exhaust System: What to Watch for -

Your exhaust emission system does all of its important work while hanging precariously from the bottom of your vehicle. So to help keep your car running smoothly, quietly, and efficiently, we recommend having your exhaust system checked out at least once a year.

Common Signs of Wear

• Exhaust manifolds and gaskets: cracks or small holes could cause exhaust leaks, affecting both safety and performance
• Oxygen sensors: cracks, damaged wires, or blocked intakes could cause incorrect fuel/air mixture adjustments and poor fuel economy
• Catalytic converters: overheating, dents, clogs, or corrosion could cause air pollution, excessive noise and rough idle
• Resonators and mufflers: excessive rust or holes could cause air pollution, excessive noise and a rough idle
• Pipes, hangers, clamps, and brackets: excessive rust or broken bolts could cause parts to hang dangerously low, resulting in a hazard for the people driving behind you
  

Appendix

Engine Exhaust Manifolds - The network of passages that gathers the exhaust gases from the cylinder head exhaust ports and routes them toward the pipes, catalysts and mufflers of the exhaust system.

Oxygen Sensor(s) - An electrical device used to measure the presence of oxygen in exhaust gases and send signals to the computer in order to regulate proper air/fuel ratio.

Air Gap Pipe with Resonator - A pipe-within-a-pipe assembly used to dissipate and insulate exhaust gas heat. A resonator (cylindrical muffler) is built into the pipe assembly to control the tone of the exhaust noise.

Aluminized Exhaust Connector Pipe - A corrosion resistant aluminum-coated exhaust pipe used between two exhaust system components (such as a muffler and a catalytic converter).

Hanger/Bracket - A combination of metal and rubber components used to attach and suspend the exhaust system under the vehicle.

Heat Shield - a protective metal covering that protects components from the heat of the exhaust system.

Aluminized Tail Pipe - A corrosion resistant aluminum-coated pipe used to transmit exhaust gases beyond the rear of the vehicle.

Stainless Steel Exhaust Tip - A polished steel finishing pipe used to enhance the appearance of a tail pipe.

Aluminized Exhaust Pipe - A corrosion resistant aluminum-coated pipe used to transmit gases throughout the exhaust system.

Flex Section - A corrugated section of exhaust pipe used to absorb engine movement and vibrations that may damage other exhaust system components.

Catalytic Converter - A pollution control device installed in the exhaust system that converts harmful combustion gases into carbon dioxide and water vapor by means of a heat-producing chemical reaction.

Clamp - A fastening device used to secure exhaust system components.

Muffler - A device with baffled passages through which exhaust gases are channeled in order to muffle engine sound