The series of pipes and devices under your car is called the exhaust system and its primary job is to ensure that the gases that are created because of internal combustion are directed outside of the car safely, with less harmful emissions as well as sounds.
If the exhaust has a problem, you are putting yourself and occupants of the car at risk.
You have to be aware of the various sections of the exhaust system and you have to understand their functions to know how they help you and the others.
Exhaust Manifold The manifold is the one that is attached directly to the engine block of the car.
This could be a pipe or a series of pipes that serve as the road for the gases to exit the car cylinders and go to the exhaust system.
This could either be made of aluminum, iron or steel.
Catalytic Converter When the gases exit the engine through the exhaust manifold, these harmful substances enter a large, pod looking device that is called the catalytic converter.
This is a very important part of the exhaust and it is tasked to clean the gases passing through it using a chemical reaction.
The gases are transformed into water and carbon dioxide to ensure that the gases are less harmful and will be better for the environment.
For the Catalytic converters to work well it needs heat and so it will not operate immediately upon ignition.
It has to wait until the right temperature is met before the chemical reaction takes place.
Muffler In some cars, the mufflers are visible from behind.
This is a large compartment where the exhaust tip is attached to.
This is very essential in ensuring that the noise is cut back upon the gases exit to the exhaust system.
There are systems of compartments as well as various materials on the muffler to cancel out and absorb the noise.
If the muffler has a hole, then the sound will be much louder.