An exhaust system is comprised of several different parts. Each one of these parts plays an integral role in the operation and safety of your vehicle. For example, the catalytic converter is a crucial element in converting toxic fumes into environmentally friendly emissions. Because of the importance of each component, exhaust repair in NH is a must at the first signs of damage. This article will take an in-depth look at exhaust leaks, and provide you with the information every driver should know.
Components
As we mentioned, your vehicle exhaust system is made up of several different components, each with its own job. Below is a list of parts and their specific job within the exhaust system:
- Catalytic converter which helps to reduce air pollution by changing harmful carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into environmentally safe vapors.
- Cylinder heads play a vital role in controlling the combustion process.
- Exhaust manifolds collect the exhaust from multiple cylinders into one pipe, which helps to minimize heat, air, and harmful gases.
- Hangers are extremely important for driving safety. If a vehicle has even one broken hanger, automatic shifting can occur during driving causing a whiplash effect.
- Exhaust joints hold your system in place. As with any element that is tossed around and hit with road debris, joints can leak or obtain cracks that allow leaks to happen.
- Mufflers keep your car running quietly by silencing the combustion process.
- Oxygen Sensors in modern cars sense the amount of oxygen within your exhaust system. This information helps the vehicle’s computer calculate and release the correct amount of fuel for maximum fuel economy.
The dangers of exhaust leaks
Beyond affecting the performance of your vehicle, many safety factors that are a concern with exhaust leaks. Below are just a few of those concerns:
- Carbon Monoxide. The fumes that the exhaust system creates contain carbon monoxide, the odorless killer.
- Interrupted Driving. From vibrating gas pedals to steering wheels and automatic shifting while driving, exhaust system leaks and damages can create a dangerous driving experience for yourself and others.
For more information on common signs that it may be time for exhaust repair in NH, check out our previous article.
If your vehicle needs exhaust repair in NH, it’s time to contact the team at RK Auto Repair. Our team of fully certified mechanics has the experience to find even the smallest cracks within your exhaust system. Don’t wait until repairs become a costly event, call us today at (603) 595-7575.
One thing you can count on is that your vehicle will not be shy when it comes to letting you know it needs exhaust repair. As one of the most worked components in your vehicle, the exhaust manifold is the most common area in need of repair. The constant heating and cooling creates expansion and contraction in the manifold. Thus, manifolds have been known to commonly crack over time. However, there are several components when dealing with an exhaust system. RK Auto Repair knows exhaust repair in NH. Below, RK Auto has created a list of four tell-tale signs that your vehicle’s exhaust system requires a little TLC.
Rumbles and Hissing
One of the most noticeable signs that you may need exhaust repair services is the presence of unusual sounds. Loud rumbles or hissing are commonly heard by vehicle owners if there is a leak in the manifold. This type of leak can increase engine volume. Although other components of the exhaust system can lead to increased volume, the manifold tends to be the most common.
Foul Smelling Fumes
Another component of your exhaust system is the catalytic converter. This component helps to transform harmful pollutant gases into less harmful ones. Thus, if the converter goes, you may be sitting in some pretty foul smelling fumes on your ride across town. Often associated with a sulfur smell, when a catalytic converter goes, you can be sure you’ll know. Another sign of a failed converter could be rattling noises from under the vehicle.
Decrease in Fuel Efficiency
Perhaps you’re finding yourself at the gas pump more often than usual. A leaky exhaust system makes it harder for your engine to power the vehicle. Thus, you will find a decrease in fuel efficiency may occur. Be sure to pay special attention to your vehicle’s performance when you step on the gas pedal. If you notice any type of lag, it may be time to call your local auto repair shop.
Loud Noises
Even if you’ve never heard of the above-mentioned components, chances are you know what a muffler is. As part of the exhaust system, your vehicle’s muffler helps to reduce emissions and noise. Cracks in your muffler can become a serious concern as you and your passengers may no longer be protected from hazardous fumes such as carbon monoxide.
If any of these things are happening with your vehicle, consider contacting RK Auto Repair for the best exhaust repair in NH. The experienced team can detect even the slightest crack or potential problem with their high-tech diagnostic systems. Visit RK Auto Repair online to learn more on how they can help your vehicle.
The phrase, “your car is worth more than the sum of its parts” is a statistical fact. Having all of these parts moving in sync and working together to get you where you’re going is invaluable to many Americans. However, the phrase “a chain is only as strong as its weakest length” is also accurate. When one part of your car is acting up, it can create a domino effect of disaster throughout your vehicle. One vital part of your vehicle is the exhaust. When your exhaust is damaged, you’re driving on an unsafe vehicle. The signs you need custom exhaust in NH can be broken down into four of the five senses: sight, scent, sound, and touch. (NOTE: nobody should ever taste an exhaust. That’s just wrong.)
Look
You can see signs that you need custom exhaust in NH. Something to keep your eyes peeled for includes the smoke. If the smoke coming out of your exhaust is thicker than usual, there may be a problem with your exhaust. The smoke looking whiter than usual is also a warning. You should try to keep your eye on your gas mileage as well. If you’re getting fewer miles to the gallon, there may be a leak in your exhaust.
Smell
You know what your car smells like. You use it every day. Although that new car smell is long gone by now, the inside of your vehicle will carry a scent that is recognizable to you and probably smells a lot like you. You should also know what exhaust smoke smells like. When the inside of your car begins to smell like exhaust, that’s a problem. Head to a mechanic if the fumes of your exhaust are starting to fill your cabin.
Listen
The goal of an engine is to hum like a bumblebee. Hypothetically speaking, the quieter and engine, the better your car is running. When you start to hear noises coming from your engine, that’s a bad sign. While there are plenty of things that can cause an engine to make strange noises, your car exhaust is one of them.
Feel
Nobody knows how your car drives as well as you do. You know the movements of your vehicle, and when your car is moving differently. Feeling rumbling and rattling that you don’t usually feel while driving can be connected to the exhaust. If your car starts shaking, be safe and bring your car to a mechanic.
Every part of your car has an expiration date. When you start to notice any of the signs above, it’s time to consider getting a custom exhaust in NH. For all your auto mechanic needs, contact RK Auto Repair at 603-595-7575 or visit them online.
There are many month long celebrations in the world: Black History Month, National Women’s History Month, BBQ Month, and even Golf Month. Each of these happens, some for historical reasons, others for more frivolous reasons. So, why would you not have a month dedicated to making sure that your car is getting the care that it needs? Car Care Month is not only one month but two months. If your vehicle is not kept up with, then you could run the risk of falling into a dangerous road. That is why the month is the best time to remind you of the common maintenance your car needs.
What are the two months to consider car care?
The two different time frames chosen for National Car Care Month are the beginning of spring and the middle of fall. These two times are the transitional periods between the two seasons when you should fix any issues that could potentially harm your car’s performance for the next few months. That is why we chose April and October to pay particular attention to the auto repair in Nashua, NH for your vehicle.
Why did they choose April?
That is a good question, and carcare.org has answered why they decided April was one of the months for Car Care Awareness. April is typically the first month that spring tends to come in full swing. Especially in New Hampshire, where a rogue snowstorm can happen at any time, it is important to remember that with the last melting of snow, there are a lot of things that your car will need. Washing your car, anything that may have gone wrong in the cold of winter, and even the worry of new issues that are coming with the spring rains, it is important to make sure you are up to date.
Why choose October?
The other month selected for car care month is October, similar to the reason that they chose April. With the end of summer and the start of winter, it is time to start winterizing your car and making sure that you are ready for the snow to come. It could mean getting snow tires in Nashua or any other needs that have to get done, such as brake and exhaust issues. Having a safe car in the winter is key to being able to continue the same mobility that you had during the summer months.
When we get into the full swing of the summer months, it is important to remember that auto repair in Nashua, NH should not be limited to these two months that we commemorate. In fact, you should follow your maintenance schedule for your vehicle rather than trying to make your own. Your car will thank you if you take good care of it, and you will be able to get more time with your vehicle.
At RK Auto, we like to remind you that with Car Care Month, it is time to review your car’s needs for monthly and yearly maintenance. From oil changes to tire rotations, it is important to remember that your car depends on you as much as you count on it. So, for any needs, call RK Auto at (603)-595-7575 to make sure that your vehicle keeps you going.