A Car is made up of many different parts and systems that work together to make it run efficiently. The exhaust system is integral to a car's performance and efficiency, but is often neglected.

The exhaust system has and number of uses. It carries harmful exhaust fumes away from the engine as well as being important in ensuring good fuel consumption. It is also crucial to smooth and satisfactory driving.

How does a healthy Exhaust System affect your car, truck, van or SUV's performance?

There are a few different components that make up a complete exhaust system and they all have an important and distinct function. The main parts are the muffler, manifold, exhaust pipes and catalytic converter.

There are many harmful fumes and gases that are left over from the combustion of the the fuel and air mix when the engine is running. Some of thes gases include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons (unburned), sulfur dioxide, lead and nitrogen oxides. A healthy exhaust system channels these fumes away from the engine.

Those gases are harmful to the environment and to us humans so they must be cleaned before they are sent out of the vehicle. With this essential task of the exhaust system, it becomes necessary for us to check it regularly for damages or corrosion that could adversely affect its proper functioning.

Exhaust system fall into two categories. These categories are the Dual or Twin Exhaust System or the Emission Control System.

Dual Exhaust System

Dual exhaust system has two tailpipes, which allows the engine to exhaust more freely, thereby lowering the back pressure which is inherent in an exhaust system. With a dual exhaust system, a sizable increase in engine horsepower can be obtained because the "breathing" capacity of the engine is improved, leaving less exhaust gases in the engine at the end of each exhaust stroke. This, in turn, leaves more room for an extra intake of the air-fuel mixture.

Emission Control System

This type of system works how the name suggests, by regulating the emmission of harmful gases expelled from the engine. They don't all do this the same way. Some systems stop pollutants being formed in the engine itself, while other systems convert harmful gases into harmless ones with a catalytic converter.

Parts of an Exhaust System

1. The Exhaust Manifold - This part is made of cast iron and is connected directly to the engine. It is designed to carry the gases from the combustion chambers to the exhaust pipes.

2. Catalytic converter - this is where the gaseous wastes are turned into water vapor and carbon dioxide.

3. The Muffler - This component main task is to 'muffle' the sound that the engine exhaust make while it is running. It does this by soaking up the sound energy of the gases that travel through it.

4. Exhaust Pipe - this part carries the gaseous waste out of the tail pipe. It is usually made of steel or stainless steel.

You should not delay the replacement of damaged exhaust system parts so that you avoid serious accidents and unwanted expenses. A clogged and glowing catalytic converter indicates serious problem so don't delay replacing it.

Robert C. Beiro has collected together many more car articles on topics like making your car more fuel efficient He is also the author of a selection of motoring articles that can be found at OldboyArticles.com.