Repair 7

Gas mileage is an important factor in choosing a new vehicle or upgrading your current ride. One way to improve your gas mileage is by increasing your cars air intake. There are numerous ways to increase air intake, including installing dual exhausts.

Single vs. Dual

A dual exhaust system will increase the gas mileage of your vehicle. Above and beyond increasing your gas mileage, an added bonus to choosing a dual exhaust system is an increase in horsepower.

Types

There are two types of dual exhaust systems: true dual exhaust and dual exiting exhaust. Dual exiting exhaust systems have one catalytic converter, one muffler and a split tailpipe. True dual exhaust systems have two catalytic converters, two mufflers and and two tailpipes.

Exhaust Systems and Engines

Cars with four-cylinder engines cannot have a true dual exhaust system installed because they have only one exhaust manifold. Vehicles with six- or eight-cylinder engines have exhaust manifolds on both sides of the engine and therefore can accommodate a true dual exhaust system.

Tailpipes

Contrary to popular belief, having one or two tailpipes makes no difference in your engines performance. This is merely a cosmetic choice.

A vehicles oil pressure switch keeps track of the oil pressure that the oil pump creates. This is important because low oil pressure can severely damage a vehicles engine due to the fact that the engine needs adequate lubrication at all times.

Functions

On older model vehicles, an oil pressure switch will send a signal to the oil pressure light. This warning light comes on when the car is cranked but goes off as the pressure builds. The oil pressure switch on newer model vehicles will signal its computer, which can cause a car not to start if it has low oil pressure.

Pressure

In addition to an oil pressure warning light, some automobiles also have a gauge which the oil pressure switch can inform of the vehicles current oil pressure levels. The pressure levels typically range from about 7 psi to 12 psi when the automobile is idling and 40 psi to 60 psi when the automobile is being driven.

Tips

When it has been determined that an oil pressure switch needs a replacement, there are a few things that should be done in advance. Have a reputable mechanic check that oil levels are correct. The vehicles oil pressure should also be checked to make sure it matches specifications required by the vehicles manufacturer.