If you smell fumes from your car when starting it or while driving, you have a faulty exhaust system. Breathing in the fumes can make you sick and cause drowsiness, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. This part of the car should not be ignored because its carbon monoxide and breathing in too many fumes can put you to sleep permanently.
It could be caused from different components such as the catalytic converter or the exhaust manifold. The catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device which converts toxic chemicals in the exhaust of an internal combustion engine into less toxic substances.
The exhaust system is usually piping used to guide reaction exhaust gases away from a controlled combustion inside an engine or stove. The entire system conveys burnt gases from the engine and includes one or more exhaust pipes.
The exhaust manifold collects exhaust gases from different cylinders and goes into one pipe. The muffler is the silencer to the exhaust system. With the descriptions of each part, you can see why if faulty it can cause a hazard to your health.
It's best to take your car to a mechanic that specializes in exhaust systems as well as other repairs. If you go to a muffler shop, they will charge you more and possibly try to sell you the complete exhaust system when you need one part.
Catalytic converters are popular for going bad. You should never start your car in a closed garage. Always open the door first and once started, drive it out of the garage. People have died from a faulty exhaust system. The muffler just drowns out the noise but without it, you your car will be really noisy.
It's very easy to detect, so once you smell strong fumes, get it to the mechanic. These toxic chemicals can cause a host of health problems and should be avoided. If you have a family member that knows about exhaust systems, ask them for advice and if they can guide you to a good auto repair shop. Go to two or three different shops and compare the pricing with the work needed.
Ask them to give you a written estimate with their guarantee in writing. By getting this done as quickly as possible, it will save your life or a huge hospital bill. By reading this article, you should know how a faulty exhaust system can make you sick.
