Exhaust System Service & Repair
Your vehicle’s exhaust system has two primary functions: minimize the sound your engine creates while running and cut down on the amount of pollution your vehicle emits. Both of these functions of your exhaust system are designed not only for your safety but for the safety of our environment.
Simply put, you can think of your car’s exhaust system as a pipe that drains your engine of the harmful gasses it creates during internal combustion, minimizing carbon emissions into the atmosphere while “muffling” the harsh sounds of engine operation.
If your exhaust system is backed up, it can be bad for you, your vehicle, and the environment all at once. Fortunately, Kennedy Transmission is here to help you with advanced exhaust repair and service in Minnesota. But, in order to recognize when your exhaust system is malfunctioning, it’s important to understand the basics of the exhaust system and be able to identify common signs of exhaust problems.
How a Car’s Exhaust System Works
There are several components that make up your exhaust system, all of which should be inspected on a regular basis and repaired as soon as you notice any problems. Here’s a basic breakdown of the major parts of your exhaust system and how they all work:
- Exhaust manifolds: These are connected to the cylinder head and take in air.
- Catalytic converter: Your vehicle’s catalytic converter changes harmful carbon monoxide gasses to water vapor and carbon dioxide, which reduces your vehicle’s impact on the environment. Most states have laws that require a catalytic converter in vehicles.
- Oxygen sensors: This measures the ratio of oxygen to exhaust, then sends that information to your vehicle’s onboard computer so you can get maximum fuel economy.
- Mufflers: When you start your car or truck, your engine turns into what is functionally a controlled explosion, which can get loud. The muffler dissipates that energy, which cuts down on the noise.
- Exhaust pipe: This is the last component your engine’s exhaust travels through before it is expelled into the air.
When to Seek Exhaust Service or Repair
Your exhaust system should be inspected regularly and repaired immediately if you notice any problems. Various factors contribute to the wear and tear of your vehicle’s exhaust, including your driving habits, road conditions (bumps, salt, and road spray), your vehicle type, and the age of the exhaust system parts.
Here’s a look at some warning signs that could indicate issues with your exhaust system:
- Loud rattling noises during startup, acceleration, and braking
- Vibrations from the steering wheel and gas pedal
- Increased engine noise
- Lower fuel efficiency
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s time to find a Kennedy Transmission shop near you for exhaust system repair. We’ll help you diagnose the problem and do the repairs needed to get you back on the road!
Exhaust System Repair and Maintenance
At Kennedy Transmission, our certified technicians are no strangers to a wide range of exhaust system repairs. Common exhaust system types and elements we work with include:
- Custom Exhaust
- Dual Exhaust
- Headers
- Heat Shield
- Kits
- Manifold
- Muffler
- Muffler Pipes
- Muffler Silencers
- Muffler Tips
- Resonators
- High-Performance Exhaust
- Racing Exhaust Mufflers
- Stainless Steel Exhaust
- Truck Exhaust System
Get Your Exhaust System Repaired at Kennedy Transmission
Our team at Kennedy Transmission can ensure your vehicle’s exhaust system is running smoothly and safely – no matter if you’re headed off to college, taking your family out on a big road trip, or just needing a reliable ride to work. Our mechanics are highly trained when it comes to diagnosing and repairing exhaust system issues for both foreign and domestic vehicles. Check out our shop locator today to find a Kennedy Transmission near you for exhaust repair!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Exhaust System
How can I lower my car’s emissions?
Since one of the exhaust system’s primary purposes is to eliminate your car’s harmful emissions, keeping your exhaust system maintained and fixing any issues promptly will go a long way as to keeping emissions down. If you’ve already regularly maintained your exhaust system and want to take extra steps to reduce your car’s emissions, there are some chemical cleaners you can use in your gas tank to clean your catalytic converter that may help it work more efficiently. Additionally, avoiding fast acceleration while driving can help you keep your car’s emissions down.
How can I protect my car’s exhaust system during the winter?
First and foremost, one of the most serious winter-weather exhaust issues is having a blocked tailpipe. A tailpipe blocked with ice or snow can lead to a very dangerous back-up of gasses into your car’s interior; make sure to keep your tailpipe clear, and be especially careful if you’ve been caught in extreme winter weather conditions.
Your exhaust system can be exposed to some serious threats during the winter time. Winter road treatments can cause serious damage to your car’s undercarriage, including many parts in your exhaust system. It might feel strange to do in cold weather, but thoroughly washing your car during the winter can help remove these corrosive materials – just make sure to pay special attention to the bottom of your car while you’re washing it. Another thing you’ll want to try and avoid is leaving accumulated water vapor in your exhaust system. If you’re taking short trips, your car may not burn off all the water vapor in the exhaust before you turn your car back off, which can lead to rust. For this reason, it’s best to avoid taking your car on lots of short trips during the winter when possible.
How Would I Know if My Catalytic Converter Has Been Stolen?
It’s happening all over, and it’s no different in Minnesota – catalytic converter theft has been on the rise in recent years. Catalytic converters are generally stolen for their value as scrap metal. If you’re worried that someone has or might tamper with your vehicle, knowing what to look for can help ease your mind.
Generally, the signs of catalytic converter theft are similar to the warning signs described above. You may notice that your car is significantly louder when you start it or accelerate, feel irregularities when your car accelerates, notice your check engine light coming on, or even begin feeling unwell and/or smelling exhaust fumes. You can also look under your car and try to spot any gaps in parts or other signs of tampering. If you’re noticing these signs or worried about activity around your vehicle, stop in to a professional mechanic for an inspection.
