Exhaust Systems 101: Signs of Trouble

When it comes to taking care of your Mx5, the exhaust system is probably one of the last things you think about unless something goes wrong. After all, it’s located underneath your car, so you hardly ever see it, let alone look closely at it. Exhaust systems are important, however, and they do more than just move exhaust fumes out of the engine. They also:

• It keeps harmful emissions from building up and moving into the passenger compartment. This could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, chest pain, seizures, vision problems, and possibly even death.  

• It converts all of those harmful fumes while it moves throughout the system, creating water vapour and safer emissions.

• It utilises oxygen sensors to monitor the health and efficiency of the engine.

• It helps to reduce the amount of noise the engine makes so your driving experience is much more pleasurable.

Because the exhaust system has such a large job when it comes to keeping you safe and your car functioning, making sure it’s taken care of is essential.

Major Car Parts

Some Mazda owners believe that the exhaust system is made up of the tail pipe and muffler, but there are actually several Mx5 parts that make up the entire system. Some of the main car parts include:

• The Manifold- This is responsible for collecting all of the gases in the engine and taking them to the tailpipe.

• The Exhaust Pipe- These types of pipes reroute the gases from the manifold to other areas of the exhaust system and eventually out through way of the tail pipe.

• The Catalytic Converter- The car part converts the harmful fumes from the engine into less harmful gasses that can be released into the environment.

• The Muffler- The main job of these Mx5 parts is to reduce the amount of noise the car’s engine makes while on the road.

Because these Mx5 parts are located beneath the car, they are susceptible to road hazards, water, debris, rust, and salt. The damage done by these hazards can cause extensive and expensive issues if the problems aren’t taken care of right away. Take your Mazda Mx5 to your mechanic as soon as possible if you notice any of these signs of trouble.

• Sounds coming from the exhaust that are louder than usual

• Rattling noises that occur when you turn the ignition on

• Exhaust coming from anywhere other than the tail pipe

• Smoke coming from the tail pipe

• Your engine seems to running rough

• Your engine makes loud noises each time you push on the accelerator

• Your check engine light is on

By watching for these signs of trouble, you can protect the exhaust system and make sure it keeps running as smoothly as possible, for as long as possible. This is important, as the exhaust system not only helps your car run as efficiently as possible, but the combined car parts keep you same from noxious and harmful gases produced by the engine.