Exhaust systems and catalytic converters: a very basic guide

Article Written By: Matt Robbins

The humble exhaust system, sitting all the way at the back of the car, often fails to get our attention until someone helpfully points out the clouds of black smoke billowing out behind us. Perhaps if we knew more about what goes on back there, we would be more awake to the vital importance of keeping the exhaust system in great health.

The main function of the exhaust is to get rid of the waste gases produced by the combustion engine. These include carbon monoxide and other toxic chemicals, which have the potential to cause a lot of harm if not removed from the car. The most basic simply consist of a pipe carrying these by products from where they are produced in the engine, to the rear of the car where they are ejected, saving the passengers from the health risks of inhaling the poisonous gases.

Believe it or not, changing the exhaust systems can give your engine a different sound all together. Some drivers opt to change their exhaust systems to models which produce more sound, often a feature on performance cars used for racing or general recreation. By reducing or increasing the number of silencers, you can make your car purr like a kitten or roar like a tiger.

Since the 1970s, car exhausts have taken on an environmental function. The development of catalytic converters now allows us to limit the emission of toxic gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.

The catalytic converter is typically placed on the exhaust pipe near the silencer. It consists of a honeycomb structure to give a large surface area. Precious metals such as palladium, platinum and rhodium act as a surface for the conversion of the harmful waste products into the far less dangerous gases, carbon dioxide, oxygen and water vapour.

If you own a relatively recent model, the chances are that your car will already have a catalytic converter as a standard component. The increasing levels of environmental awareness seen in the past two decades has translated into tighter regulations for car manufacturing and an emphasis on limiting noxious emissions. If you do have a converter, you should have regular checks done to make sure it is in optimum condition.

Older cars without converters are still on the roads, and the gases leaving the exhaust system pose a hazard to by-standers in the same way as carbon monoxide leaks from a faulty gas fire do. It is common for owners of these cars to have a catalytic converter installed, thereby cutting out the health risks and upgrading the value of their cars.

About the Author

Matt Robbins - Halfords Autocentre being the UK's leading provider of MOT, car servicing and repairs across the nation.

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