Your questions answered
Here are the most commonly asked questions we are asked in relation to exhuast systems.
Do I need to repalce my whole exhaust at the same time?
That will depend on a number of factors. The complete exhaust system will have a number of pipes, silencers and convertors making up the system. If corrosion is even accross all items then they may need to ne repalced together. Sometimes sections rust together so they become almost impossible to split, again this may result in replacement
What does my exhaust system actually do?
Exhausts have four main functions. Your exhaust controls noise by deadening the engine sound. The pipes direct exhaust fumes away from the vehicle, also helps to improve the performance of the engine and finally improves fuel consumption.
What is a Lamda sensor?
The Lamda sensor measures the oxygen content of the exhaust gases and sends this information to the engine management system. Using this detail the engine can make minor adjustments to mixture and flow to ensure the maximum ammount of gas burn takes place, minimising emmisions and maximising fuel efficency.
How does the exhaust fail?
The exhaust system is under the car bodywork, where it is exposed to all weather conditions, stone chips, water, road salt etc. Eventually the exhaust system will corode, this can happen from the inside and the outside. Often, but not always, its the pipe and box joints that corrode. As this corrosion progresses then the system weakens, eventually leading to leakage of gases and noise. When this happens then that part of the system will need to be repalced.
What is the purpose of a catalytic converter?
The catalytic converter works by converting exhaust gases with harmful content into water vapour and inert harmless gases. The catalytic converter contains catalysts that contain metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium. As the exhaust gases pass over these metals then they are converted into water vapour or less harmful gasses.