Stay alert when checking exhausts this winter
As any car mechanic will know, winter is the busiest season. Over the months to come, garages will be snowed in by a seasonal increase in repairs as the grim road conditions take their toll. In the firing line of low temperatures, moisture and salt, exhausts can deteriorate fast. That’s why when it comes to keeping customers safe, Klarius Products recommends that technicians stay alert when looking for potential exhaust faults.
A hole lot of trouble
When a car is up in the air, one of the first things you’ll notice is the condition of the exhaust. Corrosion, caused by moisture and road salt, is the most visible indicator that an exhaust requires immediate attention. Well-engineered, newer cars that are periodically driven in adverse conditions may get away with some cleaning and preventative surface rust treatment. Anything older that’s been tailgating a gritter will probably need a complete replacement. While you’re under there, check for impact damage too.
If severe enough, both rust and impacts can make holes in the exhaust. Should this happen, customers that are aware of their surroundings will often report a lot of noise and a strong smell. A hole anywhere in the system is especially dangerous as it greatly increases the likelihood of fumes entering the cabin. Considering that untreated engine emissions can contain carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and particulates – you’ll want to replace the affected section as fast as possible to ensure vehicle occupants remain healthy.
Stop mounting exhaust problems
Another easily visible issue is a failed mounting, usually signalled to the driver by loud banging and clattering as the exhaust repeatedly bounces off the undertray, or worse, the road, or even worse, the car behind. Metal mountings are prone to corrosion, while rubber items eventually perish over time, so failures are quite common.
If left long enough, mechanical stresses can eventually cause a whole section of the exhaust to jettison itself from the vehicle during driving, presenting a surprising obstacle to anyone following. Whether you are faced by a corroded metal or a perished rubber mounting, fitting a high-quality replacement is always the best approach. A reputable exhaust supplier will offer corresponding mountings with its exhaust systems, tailored to the specific repair vehicle.
Pouring cold water on it
Some damage may not be immediately visible though. Pouring cold water on something is usually associated with a loss of enthusiasm, but when a catalytic converter (CAT) or diesel particulate filter (DPF) is involved, the results are much worse. Both of these components only work at very high temperatures, so if a motorist takes their car into a deep puddle, the thermal shock of cold water hitting the devices can cause their internal monoliths to shatter.
A shattered monolith means that the exhaust will not be sufficiently converting or filtering the gas stream, so the vehicle will fail the NCT/MOT emissions test. Until properly diagnosed, the affected car will run poorly and release more fumes into the local environment, which won’t go down well with the owner or their neighbours. Rattling from the device or smoke from the exhaust are also tell-tale signs of failure, but it’s always best to perform a quick check with an OBD scanner to confirm. If the monolith has indeed shattered, complete CAT and DPF replacement with an OEM equivalent is the only option.
Stop exhaust issues snowballing
Granted, some of the failures listed above are extreme cases. Good mechanics (that’s you) will always advise customers well in advance of potentially dangerous exhaust issues, providing preventative repairs or carrying out replacements ahead of any serious breakdowns. However, winter conditions can cause even minor exhaust issues to quickly snowball – so it still pays to stay vigilant.
For an exhaust replacement that will last many winters, type-approved OEM quality systems from Klarius Products are a great option. Built from robust aluminised steel for corrosion and impact resistance, every exhaust is offered with a matching mounting kit, a two-year warranty and a Fit First Time guarantee. Furthermore, next day nationwide delivery on all orders from factory placed before 5:30 PM, and even faster dispatch from local motor factors, ensures less time spent on the ramp, providing both you and your customers with some much-needed cheer this winter.
