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In winter your exhaust faces challenges which can affect its ability to perform safely. In the UK, we may not suffer from the severest temperatures or months of deep snow, but care should be taken to ensure that an exhaust is fully functional and has not been compromised by icy debris or snow settling in the tailpipe which can send harmful gases in to the vehicle. Carbon monoxide poisoning affects concentration and can kill. It has no smell or colour.
Regular checks of the exhaust are imperative and when there is damage, it must be repaired without delay.
Your exhaust:
- Tailpipe.
- The silencer box or boxes are attached to the catalytic converter and the tailpipe.
- The exhaust manifold removes the exhaust fumes from the engine.
- The exhaust directs dangerous fumes away from passengers within the vehicle.
- Ensures efficient fuel consumption.
- Improves the engine’s performance.
- Controls the operational noise levels.
Local exhaust fitting
Call in to a local specialist, Thatcham Tyres and Exhausts, for a friendly and efficient service. Mick Jones and his team pride themselves on years of successful trading, maintaining vehicle safety and being the go-to exhaust fitting centre for local residents and businesspeople.
Winter hazards
Did you know that short frequent trips in cold weather are harmful to the exhaust?
The first 20 minutes of any journey are the most demanding on a vehicle as it warms up, and in cool temperatures the risk of the vehicle not warming up enough to burn off collected water vapour plus the salt sprayed on to road surfaces, means that they concentrate on the underside of the vehicle. When the engine is turned off, the salty moisture can cause rust damage to parts of the exhaust.
Another risk comes via water inside the exhaust system which combines with sulphur to create corrosive acids which attack metalwork.
Determining if you have an exhaust leak from cracks or holes in the various components of the system, is difficult and so professional assessment by a local exhaust fitting centre should be sought.
There is not always an audible clue but at the merest suspicion of damage or a problem please search for the best local exhaust fitting centre.
- Rattling suggests that the exhaust is out of alignment, there is a crack or blockage or loose brackets.
- Roaring often occurs when there is a silencer, exhaust manifold, gasket or tailpipe problem.
- Hissing can be an indication that the pipework or muffler is leaking.
Visible clues:
- White smoke when the engine starts is normal but if the smoke continues this normally highlights a coolant leak. Burning the antifreeze causes smoke.
- Leaking gaskets or engine cracks can also be a factor with white smoke. An exhaust fitting centre team member will be able to ascertain the affected parts efficiently. The emissions are hazardous and must never be ignored.
- Blue smoke appears when burnt oil is flowing in to the exhaust network.
Searches for an “exhaust centre near me” take seconds, visits are essential, and peace of mind is invaluable, whatever the season.
