Why is an Exhaust System and Muffler so important?

So that vehicle owners understand the importance of an exhaust system and the connected muffler, here is some basic information to explain the purpose of two main components, the Emissions Control System and the Catalytic Converter!

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Automotive emissions are controlled for three reasons: 1) to promote more complete combustion so that there are less by-products; 2) to reintroduce excessive hydrocarbons back into the engine for combustion; and 3) to provide an additional area for oxidation or combustion to occur (the catalytic converter).

Emissions Control System:

Because it became necessary to control the emissions from automobiles, today’s automobiles have become highly computerized. Gases, such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen are created during the combustion process and then are emitted into the atmosphere through the muffler and tail pipe. Hydrocarbons are also emitted as a result of vaporization of gasoline and from the crankcase of the automobile. Governmental regulations have set limits as to the amount of pollutants that can be emitted from an automobile. In order to meet these limits, automobile manufacturers have added certain pollution control devices and created a self-adjusting engine. As the computer systems in automobiles became more advanced, they were able to adjust ignition spark timing as well as operate the other emission controls installed on the vehicle. The computer is capable of monitoring and diagnosing itself, which assists mechanics in determining the proper repair when it fails.

Catalytic Converter:

The catalytic converter looks like a muffler and is located in the exhaust system in front of the muffler. Simply stated, hydrocarbons or carbon monoxide in the exhaust are converted to carbon dioxide and water as they pass over the catalyst. Heat is generated in the converter as it works to clean the exhaust. The dirtier it is, the harder the converter must work and the more heat that is generated. This is the main reason that our fuel is now unleaded, which is cleaner to burn and thereby reducing heat buildup in the catalytic converter.

Although an exhaust system is complex and generally causes vehicles to be less fuel efficient, they have been made proficient in controlling the poisonous pollutions and are vital to the quality and protection of our atmosphere, the air we breathe!

If you need a new muffler or an inspection of your exhaust system, the mechanics at Rum River Automotive are happy to help you. Contact our ASE-Certified Technicians today by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Tune Up: Is a Car Tune Up still necessary?

Are you concerned about the appropriate care of your vehicle? In today’s newer models of vehicles, advanced technology requires meeting emissions standards put in place since about 1996. Cars no longer have the same components that were included as part of the traditional car tune up.

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In older model vehicles, a traditional car tune up consisted of…

• Recalibrate the carburetor: The carburetor was responsible for creating an air and fuel mixture which was then pulled into the cylinders.
• Reset or replace the points: Points were moving parts responsible for timing the spark to ignite the air and fuel mixture.
• Replace worn out high voltage wires: Wires which ran from the distributor and points to the individual spark plugs.
• Replaced spark plugs: or reset the gap if the spark plugs were not replaced.

The technology involved in a car tune up today involves…

• Carburetors were replaced by fuel injection systems which use electronics to measure the fuel added to the intake.
• Distributors and points were replaced by electronic ignition systems.
• High voltage wires have been replaced by coil/plug ignition systems. This means that the high voltage is created at the spark plug. There are no high voltage wires that need to be replaced.
• Most cars today have the spark plugs buried underneath the overhead cams. This makes them hard to replace. Accordingly, many cars and trucks use platinum tipped spark plugs which are good for 100,000 miles or longer.

Thanks to advances in technology, a regular "tune up," as we remember it is no longer required. However, it is still important to follow the recommended service intervals for your vehicle. Not only does this honor the vehicle’s warranty, but will also ensure that your car performs at optimum efficiency.

Need a professional car tune up? Contact our ASE-Certified Technicians today by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information about any of your car problems. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.