What does an exhaust silencer do?

A car’s exhaust system is made up of several parts that channel gases from the engine’s cylinders back into the atmosphere. The exhaust silencer is the final section, and its job is to reduce the amount of noise created by the engine gases being forced through the exhaust pipe.

Ford

The Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker, founded by Henry Ford in 1903. One of the most long-standing giants of the motoring industry with an estimated asset wealth of around $256 billion, Ford became a popular household name throughout the UK in the 1960s with the introduction of the Ford Transit, the Ford Escort and the Ford Capri.

How popular is Ford in the United Kingdom?

With the Ford Fiesta consistently winning accolades as the best selling car in the UK, it’s no surprise to hear that in 2018 there were approximately 5.5million Ford cars on the roads by the end of the year.

With a proven track record for good value and sensible, practical driving, along with a dealership just around every corner, Ford has developed a method of sustaining great sales by giving drivers just what they need.

Popular well-priced cars with a sturdy reputation

There’s a Ford car for practically every sensible driver. Actually, there are a few Ford cars for the more daring driver too. Take a look at the history of RS and Cosworth models, both making an impact in the world of rally driving and touring car racing.

While they’re better known for providing family transport that includes the Ka, the Fiesta and the Focus, Ford also produces the lavishly equipped Edge SUV, and also the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers too.

And for something quite a lot less mainstream, Ford deliver some muscle

From a very traditional and mainstream marque, it’s refreshing to see that they still deliver a great big slice of larger than life America—and the latest model Ford Mustang is no exception. If a Mondeo or a Focus isn’t really your thing, and even the RS models aren’t sporty enough, then the new Mustang’s brawny delivery of sleek lines powered by its 5-litre V8 engine could be just the thing. Failing that, the Ford GT supercar with its twin-turbo V6 won’t fail to turn heads. All £420k of it.

How often should an exhaust silencer need replacing?

Your exhaust silencer’s lifespan is dependent on a range of outside factors—the main ones being the weather and driving conditions. Modern exhausts made from chrome or stainless steel are designed to last for the life of the car, whereas a high-quality non-stainless steel exhaust should last for around 5 years.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

A hole in your exhaust will only fail an MOT if it is responsible for a major leak or it causes the car to fail its emissions test.

What happens when we replace your exhaust silencer?

• Our efficient and fully qualified mechanics will inspect your exhaust.

• If the exhaust silencer is damaged, cracked or rusted, it will be replaced, and you’ll be advised of any other connected or associated problems arising from its malfunction.

• You will also be advised of any other parts that may need to be replaced, for example, the exhaust gaskets, for the best operation and health of your vehicle.

• Once the exhaust silencer has been replaced, our mechanics will test it thoroughly to ensure its correct operation and make any adjustments required for its best performance.

What causes an exhaust silencer to stop working correctly?

Because of their location, being mounted underneath the car, exhaust pipes are highly prone to damage, corrosion and wear. The weather plays a significant part in the corrosion and deterioration of the different exhaust pipe sections; rust being a major player in the appearance of holes throughout the system.

Damage to exhausts can be caused by raised road elements or extrusions from the road, such as curbs or speed bumps. Damage can also occur by driving too fast over the brow of a hill or through a dip where the suspension might bottom out and cause contact between the underside of the vehicle and the road surface.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning exhaust silencer

A noisy exhaust

If your exhaust makes more noise or is louder than normal, your exhaust silencer is probably damaged or improperly attached. A common sound of ‘blowing out’ is where holes have developed in the silencer.

There are holes in the exhaust

If you can see holes developing in your exhaust, through damage or deterioration, it’s time to get a new exhaust silencer.

Excessive vibration and lack of performance

A damaged exhaust pipe can affect your vehicle’s performance, and in some circumstances develop a vibration that wouldn’t occur under normal operation.

Failure of an emissions test

The exhaust is responsible for vehicle emissions, so if you fail a test, on inspection or at MOT, then you need to replace the malfunctioning component immediately.