Purchasing your vehicle is one of the dreams most people have, and if you are planning to get one, you would probably have a list of your desired features. But before you go and purchase one, you must know the parts of a vehicle at least. This way, it will be easier for you to know what to do if a problem arises. And one crucial car part you should know is the exhaust system.


What is an Exhaust System?


An exhaust system is a vital vehicle part responsible for guiding exhaust gases out of your vehicle. It comprises many pipes and pieces, and all these help provide a way for the exhaust gases to escape the engine. Usually, exhaust systems are composed of the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, resonator, muffler, and tailpipe. And depending on the overall system design, the exhaust gas may flow through one or more of these parts.


Read More: 10 Myths and Facts About Diesel Exhaust Fluid


The Components of Exhaust System


Now that you know what an exhaust system is, it is time to learn about the components. Each of these parts is designed to serve its unique purpose.


● Exhaust Manifold

The exhaust manifold is connected directly to the engine. The primary purpose of this part is to collect the exhaust from each cylinder before combining it into one pipe. Depending on the size of the engine, a vehicle can have one or more exhaust manifolds. This part is comprised of smooth curving passages that are meant to improve the flow of exhaust. The exhaust manifold is typically made of steel, aluminum, stainless steel, or the most common, cast iron.


● Oxygen Sensor

The purpose of the oxygen sensor is to measure how much oxygen is present in the exhaust. The computer can add or subtract fuel to obtain the correct mixture that would benefit your fuel economy and optimal performance through this information.


In most cases, vehicles have two oxygen sensors. The first O2 sensor could be located directly after the exhaust manifold but before the catalytic converter. In contrast, the other one is placed on the exhaust pipe after the catalytic converter. But other cars, such as those with V6 or V8 engines, typically have four oxygen sensors placed in the exact locations.


● Catalytic Converter

Converting harmful gases into water vapor and carbon dioxide is the purpose of the catalytic converter. This part reduces your vehicle emissions and makes sure that the gases your car emits will be much safer for the environment. Some studies found that catalytic converters decrease toxic gases such as hydrocarbons by almost 87%, carbon monoxide by 85%, and reduces nitrous oxide emissions by 62%. Today’s catalytic converters are also believed to operate up to 90% efficiency, which helps in effectively eliminating diesel odor and soot.


● Muffler

The primary purpose of the muffler, or also known as the silencer in European-made vehicles, is to provide noise reduction and soundproofing for your vehicle’s engine. This part dampens vibrations created by sound pressure from the engine through the process of acoustic quieting.


There are two kinds of mufflers. The first one uses baffle chambers in reducing noise. With this type of muffler, the sound waves bounce off the baffles and disburse their energy inside the muffler. This results in the sound waves losing their force and volume. On the other hand, the second type of muffler is designed to reduce backpressure. Backpressure occurs when the exhaust travels back up to the engine. To do this, this type of muffler forces the exhaust through a perforated pipe that contains a sound-absorbing material.


● Exhaust Pipe

Connecting all the exhaust system components is the responsibility of the exhaust pipe. They are designed so the exhaust can travel towards the vehicle’s rear in the most efficient way possible. They also function to keep the hot exhaust away from heat-sensitive components and the engine compartment and undercarriage of the car. The exhaust piping is usually made of steel. But if you want something more long-lasting and corrosion-resistant, aluminized steel tubing or stainless steel would be the better choice.


The Functions Exhaust System

It is known that exhaust gas contains components that can pose a severe threat and damage the environment and human health. One of the primary functions of your vehicle’s exhaust system is to safely route the exhaust gases out of the engine and regulate the harmful components before they get emitted into the environment. Because of this, they have evolved into one of the critical elements used to control the aggravation of air pollution.


Apart from the functions mentioned above, the exhaust system’s purpose is to reduce the engine’s combustion noise. Due to the pulsating emission of gases from the cylinders, the internal combustion engine will inevitably produce an exhaust noise, and your vehicle’s exhaust system acts as a silencer. Its chambers and flaps are sound absorbing and modifying that they help in eliminating undesirable frequencies from the outlet noise.


Exhaust System and its Contribution to Reducing Air Pollution


Despite all the efforts, air pollution has continuously worsened, which is why over the recent decades, the government has provided new regulations on specific components of diesel exhaust gas. Among these regulations include cutting down the emission levels of engines. In response to the new rules, today’s diesel exhaust systems currently manage exhaust and diligently subsidize to decrease diesel-using vehicles’ carbon footprints. Furthermore, a diesel exhaust fluid can be inserted into the exhaust system to lessen emissions and enhance fuel efficiency at the same time. This diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is now being used in conjunction with diesel particulate filters (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) components.


Best Diesel Exhausts in the Market


Knowing about the exhaust system is just the first part. You also have to understand what your choices are for exhaust systems. With that in mind, here are some of the best diesel exhausts you can purchase.


ANSA Automotive


Silverline exhaust systems from ANSA Automotive are easily one of the best choices in the market. These exhaust systems are engineered for optimum performance and developed using the latest technology. Apart from this, the Silverline exhaust systems undergo complex testing to ensure quality exhaust performance. These products also feature a unique louvered muffler design that provides a sound deadening control to make your in-cab ride more pleasant without sacrificing the deep and rich sound of the diesel engine during acceleration.


Advanced FLOW Engineering


The ATLAS exhaust from aFe is created to function in the most extreme roads and environments. This exhaust system is assembled from the precision with 4-inch mandrel bends, has aluminized steel tubing for maximum flow, enhanced torque, increased horsepower, and lower exhaust gas temperature. It provides easy installation because of its bayonet-style hangers and two-piece tailpipe.


MBRP Exhaust Systems


MBRP exhaust systems are constructed from T409 stainless steel and rugged 16-gauge, giving diesel engine owners more choices. These turn-down systems are suitable for off-road lifted vehicles. Every kit features a high flow spiral louvered core muffler and undergoes extensive testing to ensure optimum horsepower, quicker acceleration, and enhanced towing power. You can also notice an aggressive and deep diesel exhaust sound.


FLO PRO


FLO-PRO Performance Exhaust Products are made from mandrel-bent steel with 16-gauge and provide T409 and aluminized stainless steel. FLO-PRO also offers direct fit kits for Cummins, Power Strokes, and Duramax diesel exhaust systems. They also offer one of the best sounding exhausts in the market.


Choosing quality components for your diesel exhaust system might be a little tricky. But worry no more, for you can always consult experts like Pure Diesel Power to assist you.


Disclaimer: Pure Diesel Power does not offer any exhausts that may be used to delete or alter the factory emissions of a vehicle.


For all your diesel trucking needs, be sure to visit Pure Diesel Power, where you can browse through their massive selection of diesel engine products. Contact us at 715-254-1833, email us at customerservice@puredieselpower.com, or visit our website, https://puredieselpower.com.


Read More: Guide to Maintain your Diesel Truck's Fuel System Assembly


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