Exhaust System

This is a diagram of the major components of an exhaust system in a car. Exhaust system components are designed for a specific engine. The pipe diameter, component length, catalytic converter size, muffler size, and exhaust manifold design are engineered to provide proper exhaust flow, silencing, and emission levels on a particular engine.

As a rule, the hotter a muffler runs the longer it lasts. Mufflers on vehicles with catalytic converters run hotter and last longer than those on older vehicles without converters. Mufflers located ahead of the rear axle last longer than those located after of the rear axle.

Mufflers rust from the inside out. Rust is caused by moisture in the exhaust. Moisture condenses in the muffler when the engine is shut off and the muffler starts to cool.

The longevity of muffler and pipes depends on what kind of steel the components are made of, how pipes are routed under the car, where the muffler is located, and whether or not the vehicle has a catalytic converter.

Original equipment pipes made of stainless steel (which are used from the converter forward on most cars and for the entire exhaust system on some) can last up to 10 years or more. Most aftermarket pipes, by comparison, are made of ordinary steel which is good for about three to five years of service. Aluminumized and stainless pipes are better, but cost more.

Notes:

exhaust system, n. – система выпуска двигателя

catalytic converter, n. – каталитический дожигатель выхлопных газов

exhaust manifold, n. – коллектор выхлопной системы двигателя

silencing, n. – глушение muffler, n. – глушитель

rust, v. – ржаветь moisture, n. – влага

shut off, v. – выключать stainless – коррозионно-стойкий

VIII. Scan the text “Braking System” to find answers to these questions.

1. What types of brakes are in general use today?

2. Where are they used?

3. How do disc brakes operate?

4. How drum brakes operate?