In the greater Portland area our vehicles are required to pass the Department of Environmental Quality Test every other year, to be legal to drive. There are a few key things that need to be in proper working shape for the vehicle to pass this test, good tune condition, proper fuel/air ratio and the exhaust system has to be in good shape with no leaks and the catalytic converter needs to operate properly. In this article we will talk about the exhaust system importance.
The exhaust/emission system of your vehicle has a few different types of functions, that work together:
1) To deaden the sound made by internal combustion of the engine.
2) Reduce the temperature of the exhaust.
3) To control the emissions that are emitted from the vehicle.
Vehicles can create harmful gases during the combustion of fuel. That is why it is important to repair your exhaust system when leaks or potential problems are found. Poisonous gases can be hazardous if they leak into the cabin of the vehicle, so proper exiting of the exhaust emissions is to direct them out thru the catalytic converter, muffler and tailpipe. Some of the harmful gases that the exhaust system controls are:
- Hydrocarbons (unburned fuel) Carbon Monoxide
- Carbon Dioxide Nitrogen Oxides
- Sulfur Dioxide Phosphorus
- Lead and Other Metals
The catalytic converter in the exhaust system helps to turns these gases into mostly harmless ones that do much less damage to the
environment. When the catalytic converter starts degenerate it will not burn those gases as efficiently. Some of the causes of catalytic converter degeneration can be worn tune condition, an engine misfire, or the vehicle operating on improper fuel/air ratio.
Keeping your vehicle in proper running order is crucial for it to maintain proper emissions and a good operating exhaust system. These systems are crucial to good health, the good health of us, our family and our environment. Steve and Karen Johnston are owners of All About Automotive in Historic Downtown Gresham. If you have questions or comments, call them at 503-465-2926 or email them at [email protected]
Steve and Karen Johnston are owners of All About Automotive, providing auto repair and auto maintenance in Historic Downtown Gresham. If you have questions or comments, call them at 503-465-2926 or email them at [email protected], you can also visit our website at allaboutautomotive.com.
