Winter Driving Can Be Hazardous
Don’t be foolish driving around this winter unprepared.
Don’t forget to winterize your muffler and exhaust system properly. Your vehicle’s exhaust system and muffler are a critical component of proper car function. You need to be aware of the potential dangers that snow, ice, and salt can pose to your muffler and exhaust system. Learn how to winterize your car’s muffler and exhaust system for safe winter driving.
Exhaust System – How it Works
Your exhaust system works to collect the exhaust gases released from your car’s engine as it burns fuel.
While each model of vehicle will have a slightly different set up of the exhaust system – they all work the same way, to remove the harmful exhaust gases that the engine produces while running.
Your exhaust gases are collected from all cylinders of the engine and then released through an opening into your catalytic converter. From the catalytic converter, the gases then pass through the muffler (which helps to reduce noise levels from your car). Finally, the exhaust gases exit through the tailpipe of the vehicle. Read More…
Winter Damage to Your Muffler and Exhaust System
Rough Driving
Most mufflers and exhaust systems are located underneath the car. The location of these systems makes them especially prone to damage from winter conditions such as: ice, salt, road debris, potholes or anything else that may otherwise cause your car to jolt around roughly. Physical damage may occur to your muffler and exhaust system.
Rust & Corrosion
If moisture gets into your muffler, it can be prone to rust. Smaller, shorter driving trips are especially tough on your car as it takes longer to warm up in the winter. When moisture is present, such as in snowy winter conditions, your car does not have time to burn off the water that has collected in your muffler and exhaust systems.
Salt applied to icy roads can quickly accumulate on the underside of your car. When this salt mixes with lingering moisture on your car, the exposed parts will begin to erode.
Additionally, the lingering water will mix into your exhaust system. The water will then mix with the exhaust gases, which contain sulfur. The mixture of the water vapor and exhaust gases produces a strong corrosive acid, eating holes in your exhaust system and causing potentially dangerous exhaust leaks.
Related: How Winter Conditions Can Affect Your Exhaust System
Exhaust Leaks – A Hidden Danger
Damage to your muffler and exhaust system can be very hazardous.
The combination of exhaust gases and carbon monoxide can be fatal to passengers breathing in this mixture. If this gas enters your car, it can be challenging to detect and can cause impairment, drowsiness and even death. Be sure to have your car’s exhaust system examined for damage and corrosion to identify areas that leaks may occur.
Stranded in winter conditions?
Make sure your car’s tailpipe is free of snow, ice and debris before running your engine. If the gases cannot escape through your exhaust system as they would typically, they will back up into the passenger area of your car causing you and any passengers to breathe in the fumes.
Related: How Do I Winterize My Car – An Infographic
Don’t forget to…
While it may seem unintuitive in the colder winter weather, be sure to roll windows down every so often to refresh the air in your car and allow any harmful gases that may have built up to be released.
Signs of Damage Your Muffler and Exhaust System
Noises you may hear include:
- Roaring
- Vibrating metal
- Hissing
- Rattling
Visual indicators of a problem include:
- Rust
- Holes
- Corrosion
- Colored smoke coming from the tailpipe
Winter Saftey With AAMCO Colorado
Repairing Your Muffler and Exhaust System
It is important to examine your exhaust system regularly for any potential problems. While noise coming from your tailpipe or exhaust system are a clear indication of a problem, you may still have leaks occur with no audible sounds.
Experiencing problems with your exhaust system, or want a safety check before winter conditions hit? Take advantage of our special offer this winter and visit your nearest AAMCO Colorado location for your free winter safety inspection.
Colorado AAMCO’s emission and exhaust muffler repair services include inspection and repair of key parts, including the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valves and sensors, muffler, and more.
Schedule an appointment with your local AAMCO Colorado for a diagnostic test or muffler and exhaust repair today.