Nick's Auto Advice Newsletter - January 2008

The Importance of a Healthy Car Exhaust System

Many people tend to disregard the exhaust system of an automobile. They may think that the exhaust system does nothing more than to discharge the waste products of the combustion process. Although this is exactly what the exhaust system does, the way these waste product is discharged out of the engine is essential to the performance of the engine. A gasoline engine involves three processes: combustion, mechanical drive and exhaust. If one of these processes is impeded, the condition of the engine will depreciate.

The exhaust system has three major functions, the first of which is to channel out the waste products of combustion out of the engine to allow it to continue to burn fuel unhindered thereby ensuring that the engine runs smoothly. An efficient exhaust system allows the waste gas and compound to escape quickly out of the system. If these waste products do not escape from the engine immediately, they may choke up the engine thus causing it to break down.

Another function of the exhaust system is to reduce the noise generated by the engine. Noise is one of the "wastes" produced by the engine. The exhaust gases leave the engine at extremely high pressure. If these gases escaped directly out of the engine, the noise generated would be tremendous. Thus, to minimize this noise, the exhaust system lets the exhaust gases pass through metal plates and tubes called the muffler. As the gas passes through the muffler, the noise is reduced.

The third function of the exhaust system is to clean up the emissions that are harmful to the environment. When the engine burns fuel, it produces gases that pollute the air such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. The exhaust system, through the Catalytic Converter , cleans up the exhaust gases by breaking down the harmful gas compounds. Chemicals in the catalytic converter act as catalysts, changing the highly hazardous gas compounds to less harmful ones.

Because air pollution is a major environmental problem that affects us all, catalytic converters are a necessity. In fact, it is illegal in most states not to have a catalytic converter. Replacing defective catalytic converters is not only an ethical necessity but also a legal requirement. If ever your car needs a new catalytic converter, you should purchase a new one and have it replaced as soon as possible. A catalytic converter is essential for the better performance of any exhaust system.

-Written by Terry Brown / Inner Auto Parts

Quick Tip!!

What Do You Know about Winter Driving Conditions?
For winter driving conditions, there are obviously plenty of things to consider. Beside the conditions of the roadways, there are other things to keep in mind when driving in snowy conditions. Winter driving conditions present certain season challenges.

Is Your Tailpipe Open?
One of the concerns related to winter driving conditions is your tailpipe on your car or truck. It must be completely open of any snow or ice. Failure to have an open tailpipe can lead to deadly carbon monoxide levels inside your car. Carbon monoxide is the natural by product of burning any carbon-based fuel sources. Carbon monoxide is known as the “silent killer”. The reasoning behind this nickname is that it could kill you without you noticing it. It is an odorless poison to the human nose.
Accordingly, it is important to keep your vehicle’s tail pipe clean from any foreign objects. It is very easy for snow or ice to get caught in your tail pipe. If this occurs, it is not a big deal provided that you recognize it and take the necessary steps. You don’t want to start up your car after heavy snowfall or very cold weather without first checking your tailpipe. Winter driving conditions on the road are hazardous, but your vehicle can present a danger even before you leave the driveway.
 

If you have any questions or concerns, you can email me at nick@nicksautomotive.com or request an appointment here.

You can read past newsletters here
 

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We hope you enjoyed this newsletter and found the tips helpful. Please call us with any questions or concerns about your vehicle at 203-366-4775. You can email me directly at nick@nicksautomotive.com or request an appointment here. If you have a billing question you can email Tara at tara@nicksautomotive.com We'll be waiting to hear from you!

Servicing Your Car Care Needs
Nick Gramigna