What does an exhaust manifold do?

The exhaust manifold is the first part of your vehicle’s exhaust system. It is bolted directly onto your car’s engine and collects your engine’s emissions. The exhaust manifold receives the air/fuel mixture from the multiple cylinders (either four, six or eight) in your vehicle’s engine and funnels them all into one pipe.

The exhaust manifold then completely burns any unused or incomplete burnt gases at a very high temperature. Finally once all the gases are in one place and completely burnt, the manifold sends the emissions into the rest of the exhaust system to eventually be expelled.

The exhaust manifold also performs another very important role. It houses an oxygen sensor which inspects the amount of oxygen entering the system. This data is then sent to the fuel injection system where the amount of oxygen used in the fuel/air mixture can increase or decrease.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is a German global car manufacturer and a division of Daimler AG. They were established over 100 years ago in 1926 and have grown to be the biggest selling premium vehicle brand in the world.

How popular is Mercedes in the United Kingdom?

The number of Mercedes cars on the road in the UK continues to rise, reaching 1.9million by the final quarter of 2018. There are almost 5 times as many Mercedes cars on the road as there were in 1995, showing just how popular this marque has grown to be.

Helping these powerful statistics on their way, the Mercedes A-Class was announced as the 8th best selling car in the UK in 2018. The premium family hatchback is vying for position against the ever-popular VW Golf—the current leader in this class.

Premium executive models of every shape and size

Mercedes deliver hatchbacks, saloons, estates and coupés at every size from their A- to E-Class ranges, as well as executive SUVs, the V-Class MPV, and of course, a more than desirable selection of convertibles and roadsters.

With prices rising to well over £100k, Mercedes cars are a great contender as the executive car of choice.

Mercedes-Benz: Giants of Formula One

Mercedes has always been a keen player within the F1 championship, taking their first 2 titles back in 1954 and 1955. Through the 1990s they joined forces with McLaren as an engine provider and part owner, bringing titles for both Mika Häkkinen and Lewis Hamilton and a constructors championship in 1988.

Their current and outright domination of the sport began in 2014, as a team in their own right, it has featured 5 straight constructors titles, with Lewis Hamilton taking 4 world championships and Nico Rosberg taking the other in 2016.

How often should an exhaust manifold need replacing?

Due to the extreme temperature fluctuations inside the engine, the exhaust manifold is especially prone to wear, however it shouldn’t need to be replaced too often. We recommend having your entire exhaust system inspected every two to three years. If the manifold appears to be worn or damaged in any way, it should be replaced to ensure safe driving conditions.

Always look out for the above symptoms of a failing exhaust system, to ensure you get it fixed early and avoid any further, costly repairs.

What happens during an exhaust manifold replacement?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Inspect the exhaust manifold.

• If the exhaust manifold is visibly damaged or cracked, it will be replaced.

• If necessary, they may also replace the exhaust gasket and clean the exhaust ports. The manifold's mounting bolts may also need to be replaced.

• Advise if other related components need to be replaced.

• They will then check for any leaks around the manifold and test drive the car.

What causes an exhaust manifold to break?

The exhaust manifold is exposed to extreme temperatures – it is constantly heating and cooling, which causes constant expansion and contraction. Despite being made of cast iron or stamped steel, over time manifolds can crack due to the stress from constant, extreme temperature changes.

When should an exhaust manifold be replaced?

Due to the extreme temperature fluctuations inside the engine, the exhaust manifold is especially prone to wear, however it shouldn’t need to be replaced too often. We recommend having your entire exhaust system inspected every two to three years. If the manifold appears to be worn or damaged in any way, it should be replaced to ensure safe driving conditions.

What are the symptoms of a bad exhaust manifold?

Usually, there a few signs you can look for:

• A noisy engine exhaust

• Burning smell coming from the engine

• Decreased power, acceleration, and fuel efficiency

• If the engine warning light comes on

• When the engine makes more noise than usual

How often should you replace your exhaust manifold?

We recommend having your entire exhaust system inspected every two to three years. If the manifold appears to be worn or damaged in any way, it should be replaced to ensure safe driving conditions. Always look out for the above warning signs of a failing exhaust system, to ensure you get it fixed early and avoid any further, pricey repairs.

What happens during an exhaust manifold replacement?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Inspect the exhaust manifold.

• If the exhaust manifold is visibly damaged or cracked, it will be replaced.

• If necessary, they may also replace the exhaust gasket and clean the exhaust ports. The manifold's mounting bolts may also need to be replaced.

• Advise if other related components need to be replaced.

• They will then check for any leaks around the manifold and test drive the car.

What is the average life of an exhaust manifold?

The lifespan of an exhaust manifold depends on the car, the driver and how often the car is used. In general, an exhaust manifold should last at least three years, but we recommend having your entire exhaust system inspected every two to three years. If the manifold appears to be worn or damaged in any way, it should be replaced to ensure safe driving conditions.

Can you drive with a broken exhaust manifold?

While you can technically drive with a broken exhaust manifold, it's neither safe nor legal and poses a number of issues when you're out on the road. Your exhaust plays a vital role in the healthy running of your car, therefore when the exhaust system experiences issues, it should be inspected as soon as possible.

Do exhaust manifolds deteriorate with age?

Yes exhaust manifolds are prone to wear and deterioration over time as they are constantly exposed to extreme temperatures. Despite being made of cast iron or stamped steel, over time manifolds can crack due to the stress from these constant, extreme temperature changes.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

There are strict regulations regarding exhaust systems and car emissions. A car's exhaust system, including the manifold, cannot have any serious leaks, corrosion or cracks. An annual MOT tests both the exhaust system for leaks and deterioration and the emissions coming from the exhaust system.