About Me

Archive

Tags

Latest Posts

Search

Is It Wise to Change a Car Exhaust System?

by Aubree Richardson

Many new car owners hear about aftermarket car exhausts and they wonder whether they should replace the ones on their cars. Are there benefits that can be derived from changing a car exhaust? Read on and discover how you can benefit when you replace the stock exhaust on your car with an aftermarket one.

Better Engine Performance

Some exhausts on new cars were bent without using mandrels. A mandrel is a cylindrical rod that is used to shape a material (such as a car exhaust). Exhaust pipes need to be bent because they have to curve around other components underneath a car. A mandrel helps to maintain the diameter of that bent exhaust pipe. This ensures that there is no hindrance to the flow of exhaust fumes from the engine. It therefore follows that exhausts that are bent without the use of a mandrel become narrower at the point where they are bent. This can reduce engine performance because the exhaust fumes take longer to leave the engine combustion chamber (leaving less room for air and fuel to mix). An aftermarket exhaust that was bent using a mandrel allows fumes to leave the engine quickly. This can allow the engine to produce more power to propel your car. You can tell that a mandrel was used to bend a given exhaust because that pipe will not be crimped.

Longer Lasting Components

Nothing irks a car owner like having to replace the same car part frequently. That is exactly what is likely to happen if you do not install a high-quality aftermarket exhaust. Many cars come equipped with exhausts that are made from mild steel. This material deteriorates quickly due to the intense heat from the exhaust fumes and exposure to the elements. Thus, that exhaust will soon develop leaks. Many aftermarket exhausts are made from stronger materials like stainless steel. Stainless steel is corrosion resistant so it will last much longer. This saves you from suffering the effects of a compromised exhaust system (such as lower fuel economy).

Better Aesthetics

Who doesn't want to own a car that is eye-catching? Stock exhausts are rarely built to make the car stand out. Aftermarket exhausts, on the other hand, can make your car more attractive. This is because they have polished mufflers and large tips (the part you see at the end of the exhaust pipe), which can make your car look unique.

As you can see, there are both functional and aesthetical advantages of replacing your car exhaust. However, you need to consult a professional (such as a mechanic) before you choose a particular replacement exhaust. This is because you may select the wrong size and hamper the performance of your car.

Share