What does my exhaust system do?
You need brakes to stop your vehicle and if they're not working properly, you could end up having a really bad day. Your vehicle has two types of brakes: disc brakes and drum brakes.

Exhaust manifold and heat riser
Burned gases exit the engine through the exhaust manifold. The heat riser (or heat control valve) closes during start-up to allow the engine to warm up on.

Exhaust pipes
Exhaust pipes carry gases to other parts of the exhaust system.

Catalytic converter
You vehicle's catalytic converter converts harmful pollutants in the exhaust to harmless gases. Your catalytic converter should last at least 50,000 miles, and it's required by law, so don't mess with it.

How does my exhaust system work?
Mufflers dampen the noise, and a catalytic converter converts bad gases into not-so-bad gases. When your exhaust system is functioning properly, your vehicle will run quietly, and the fumes created by your engine are converted to harmless gases.

What could go wrong with my exhaust system?
Rust is a common cause of exhaust system malfunction. Small holes and other road damage can also develop, even under normal driving conditions. The noise caused by exhaust problems is the least of your worries. Exhaust gas (containing deadly carbon monoxide) leaking from the exhaust system and into the passenger compartment could be deadly. We're not trying to scare you, but it's a possibility.

Muffler
Your vehicle's muffler reduces the noise your engine makes when it's running. If you're reading this out loud while your car is running, and you can't hear yourself, there's a problem with your muffler.

Resonator
A resonator is a type of muffler that further reduces the noise your vehicle makes.

Tail Pipe
Exhaust leaves your vehicle through the tail pipe. Careful, it's hot! You may see water dripping from the tail pipe from time to time, but don't worry it's normal condensation from the hot exhaust.

Brackets and hangers
All the components of your exhaust system are suspended from the bottom of the car using brackets and hangers. These are usually flexible, so they bounce around a little with the movement of the car. But, if you hear a scraping noise while you're driving, or if you can see your muffler touching the ground, one of these brackets or hangers may need to be replaced.

How will I recognize a problem with my exhaust system?
It's easy to tell when a muffler goes bad. People may glare and hold their ears because of the noise. But there are other not-so-obvious problems that can occur with your exhaust system that are difficult to spot including pinholes, stuck valves, loose brackets, and malfunction in the catalytic converter or other emission devices.

How will Cars of Sarasota fix my exhaust system?
If you suspect you might have a problem with your exhaust system, bring your vehicle to Cars of Sarasota. We'll inspect your vehicle at no charge. If something isn't working right, our technicians will isolate the problem, recommend a solution and explain all of your options before beginning work on your vehicle.