Repair 7

How Does a Car Exhaust System Work

A cars exhaust system is responsible for transporting the burned exhaust, or combustion gases, from its engine and out the tail pipe. The exhaust system is basically just a long tube attached to the engine and extending to the rear of the vehicle. However, there are certain components that enable the exhaust system to function properly.

Exhaust Manifold

A vehicles exhaust manifold is the upper end of the exhaust system. The exhaust manifold is attached directly to the side of the engine and is the first part of the exhaust system to receive the burned exhaust gases from the cars engine. The exhaust manifold, which is extremely hot, further burns any fuel that was inadequately burned by the engine and funnels it down into the main exhaust system.

Exhaust Pipes

The exhaust pipes make up the brunt of a cars exhaust system. The exhaust pipes, which can be metal or aluminum, are responsible for transporting the burned exhaust gases from the engine and the exhaust manifold and funneling them towards the cars tailpipe.

Muffler/Catalytic Converter

As a cars exhaust gases are transported along the exhaust pipes, they must pass through the muffler, which is an enclosed metal container responsible for "muffling" the sounds of the traveling exhaust gases, and the catalytic converter, which is an "after burner" responsible for igniting and burning any leftover exhaust gases not burned by the engine and exhaust manifold.

The Tail Pipe

The final destination for a cars exhaust gases is the tailpipe. The tailpipe is the end of the entire exhaust system, and it funnels the burned car exhaust out into the outside air, or atmosphere.