Components of an Exhaust System

Every vehicle is going to have a different exhaust system setup, but in general they are going to have the same common parts. The main functions of the exhaust system are to:
  1. Safely guide dangerous exhaust fumes from the engine to the rear of the vehicle. Without this, fumes can enter the interior of the car.
  2. Reduce air pollution by means of the catalytic converter.
  3. Reduce engine noise by means of the muffler. 

What is an Exhaust Manifold?

The exhaust manifold is the connection point between the engine and the exhaust system. It is a matter of debate as to whether the exhaust manifold is the last part of the engine, or the first part of the exhaust system. It's like asking whether jello is a liquid or a solid.

What is a Catalytic Converter?

The catalytic converter helps reduce harmful exhaust emissions by exposing them to a catalyst. A chemical reaction converts the harmful pollutants into less toxic pollutants. The catalytic converter is required to meet requirements of the Clean Air Act. Removing or bypassing the catalytic converter is against the law.

Exhaust Heat Shield

There can be multiple heat shields on an exhaust system. They are important components that prevent the risk of fire both above and below the exhaust system. It's important. If a heat shield starts to deteriorate from rust or corrosion, it can cause vibrations or rattling sounds inside the car. 

Muffler

As the name implies, the muffler muffles the sound of the controlled explosions, or combustion, happening within the engine. The way a muffler goes about accomplishing this is actually pretty cool, and you can learn a bit about it from this short video:

Clamps and Hangers

Clamps keep the hoses and pipes connected to the other various components in the system. ​Hangers keep the entire exhaust system suspended from the bottom of the vehicle. over time both hangers and clamps can become damaged from corrosion, rust, or objects such as rocks or ice.

How the Exhaust System Works

The video below provide an overview of how a generic exhaust system works. 
  1. Hot exhaust and sound from the combustion engine is sent to the exhaust manifold through the exhaust valve. 

  2. Exhaust and sound travel through exhaust pipes to the catalytic converter. The exhaust from the engine includes gasses that are harmful to the environment. The catalytic converter uses a chemical process to convert exhaust into carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water vapors. 

  3.  The exhaust and sound waves then travel though exhaust pipes to the muffler, which contains different size chambers designed to dampen sound waves.

  4. Finally, the exhaust exits the vehicle through the tail pipe, less harmful, and much quieter than when it first entered the exhaust manifold. 
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Family Owned Since 1972

Gordon Lentz opened his first auto repair shop in 1972. Trained as a mechanical engineer. His first exposure to the automotive repair business came in the early 1970's, when he was selling storage systems to muffler repair shops. He could see room for improvement in a lot of the shops he visited. He took a chance; quit his job, and invested his life savings in building his own auto service center. Today, Lentz Auto Repair is still family owned and operated, guided by the same simple mission that started over 45 years ago: “treat our customers as we would like to be treated and provide quality products at fair prices.”

Warranty Information

Auto services are performed on non-commercial vehicles and are accompanied by a limited warranty.  If a warranted part fails to perform during the time of ownership, simply return to any LENTZ USA Service Center with your receipt for repairs. Family owned and operated since 1972.  Senior and student discounts available.

The Lentz USA service team is ready to help you
​• Brakes
• Mufflers
• Exhaust
• Springs
• CV joints/axels
• Steering suspension
• Air conditioning
• Engine repair and replacement
• Tune up
• Computer diagnostic equipment
• Alignment services (2 and 4 wheel)
• Transmission repair
• Oil changes
• Custom pipe bending
• Street rods
• Brake and anti locks
• Front and rear end suspension
• Shocks and struts
• Tire rotation
• Safety inspections
• Belts and hoses
• Starters
• Motor flushes
• Alternators and batteries