5 Reasons You Need an Upgrade: What Does Changing the Exhaust on a Car Do?
The average cost to replace the muffler on your car is between $150 and $200. However, if you’re looking for a high-end exhaust system, this can cost approximately $400 to $500 or more.
All vehicles have to have an exhaust. This is what vents the gases from the engine and keeps the vehicle running.
However, all vehicles don’t have to have the exhaust that was installed by the manufacturer. It’s is possible to get higher quality systems installed.
If you’re considering getting a new exhaust system, you might be wondering: What does changing the exhaust on a car do?
Read on to find out, as well as for some reasons why you need an upgrade.
What Does an Exhaust Do?
As mentioned, the exhaust on your vehicle removes gases from the engine, but this isn’t the only thing it does.
Some of the other functions of the exhaust system include the following:
- Reduce noise
- Improve the engine’s performance
- Improve the vehicle’s fuel economy
The exhaust put on your vehicle by the manufacturer meets certain standards and legal requirements. It also does its job of making sure that any occupants in the car aren’t inhaling toxic fumes that could cause serious health issues.
In many cases, manufacturers don’t spend a ton of money on the exhaust system. As long as it performs in accordance with the law, that makes them happy. That means that your car may not be getting the fuel economy or engine performance it’s capable of.
If you upgrade the exhaust system, you may be able to make your car run even better.
What Does Changing the Exhaust on a Car Do?
Deciding to change the exhaust on your car can impact how it sounds, runs, and how it uses fuel. There is a wide range of aftermarket exhausts to choose from.
If you are considering getting a new exhaust, here are some of the improvements a new system could make:
1. Improve Your Fuel Economy
Probably one of the biggest reasons you should upgrade your exhaust system is so that you can get better fuel economy.
Since the price of gas fluctuates often and unpredictably, it can be hard to budget for this expense every month. However, if you have the best exhaust for fuel economy, this can help reduce the number of times you have to fill up.
A new exhaust helps with fuel economy because it helps your engine breathe easier.
If the engine has to force the exhaust through the system, this requires it to use a lot of energy. The fuel is where your engine gets the energy from, so the harder it’s working, the more fuel it consumes.
By reducing the amount of energy required by your engine to move exhaust through the system, the less fuel it will need to use.
This also means that it will produce less carbon. Not only does this improve your engine’s performance, but it also means less pollution getting into the environment.
2. More Power
If you’re looking to add a bit more horsepower to your vehicle, then an aftermarket exhaust can help.
It may not add as much as a super- or turbocharger, but it could add enough to make a noticeable difference.
New horsepower is added to your vehicle because a new exhaust can reduce the back pressure. If this gets too high, it will stifle your engine
3. A Richer Sound
Should you enjoy the deep growl that you hear some vehicles makes, then you’ll want to consider upgrading your exhaust system.
You might also need to get a new exhaust if you notice that your current exhaust rattles, hisses, or seems overly loud. These could be signs that your system damaged and needs to be replaced. Ignoring these sounds go could result in serious complications, including the chance of exhaust getting into your vehicle and causing health issues.
Due to the advancements made in exhaust technology, you won’t have to worry about your vehicle being obnoxiously loud.
In some cases, the aftermarket exhaust is only slightly louder than the stock exhaust, but it will have a deeper, richer sound that will make your car sound high quality and tough. If you are wondering how to improve exhaust sound, a new system is what you need.
4. Aesthetic Appeal
You probably don’t consider the exhaust as being something worth looking at. If you have an exhaust from the manufacturer, it’s not.
However, you can find aftermarket exhausts that are unique and sophisticated and add something extra to your vehicle.
Should you be looking for a way to make your vehicle stand out and have people checking out your muffler, then getting the right exhaust can help with that endeavor.
5. Improved Life Span
In an effort to control costs, many manufacturers will add exhausts that are constructed from mild steel. These will hold up for a while, but after exposure to the elements and road debris, they will eventually break down.
If you are hoping to find a good exhaust system that will last for a long time, then you want to consider getting an aftermarket exhaust.
These are often constructed of stainless steel or aluminized steel, which means they will last longer. In some cases, they may even last for as long as you own your vehicle.
Finding the Right Exhaust
If you are wondering what does changing the exhaust on a car do, the answer is that it can improve engine performance, fuel economy, and the sound your vehicle makes.
There is a wide range of different aftermarket exhaust systems to choose from. Finding the right one will depend on the make and model of your vehicle, your budget, and what you want the exhaust will accomplish.
To find the right exhaust, you might consider talking to an expert. This might include a mechanic, exhaust dealer, or person who has replaced exhausts on vehicles in the past.
For more tips and advice on making sure your vehicle runs optimally, check out some of our other articles.