Consider a Powerflow performance exhaust

Is it time for you to replace your car’s exhaust system?
Have you noticed rust around your silencer and tailpipe?

If you answered yes to both of these questions, then consider replacing your stock exhaust system with a performance (cat-back) exhaust system. Up front you will pay more, but in the end a performance exhaust system just may be the last one you will ever need to purchase for your car. Nothing lasts forever, right? Well, in the case of some performance exhaust systems you can come darn close.

Consider this: one top manufacturer of exhausts produces an exhaust system with a 5 year guarantee, hassle free! How can they do this? By making a product from high quality stainless steel, that’s how. That’s right; the steel used by some manufacturers is of the highest quality, like every Powerflow exhaust system to produce a product that is durable and long lasting. Other brands have similar warranties, so I am not saying Powerflow is the end all or be all product for your car.

So, just how does a cat-back system work? By keeping all the important emissions parts in place, a cat-back system incorporates large width exhaust pipes and low restriction performance silencers into your car thereby lowering exhaust back pressure. A side benefit is the deeper, throatier tone produced by the exhaust system. Because your car’s engine is essentially an air pump, a cat-back a/k/a performance exhaust system allows the engine to pump and flow air with less interruption. In summation, more power is freed up and horsepower increases of 5 to 15 percent are well within the range of possibility. One side benefit: you will notice an increase in fuel economy because a performance exhaust system allows your engine to run more efficiently.

So, what’s not to love about a performance exhaust system? Not much! Even if you aren’t planning to keep your car forever, the resale value of your vehicle will also increase with a performance exhaust system installed on your car. You win now with more power and better fuel economy and you can win later when it comes time to sell your car. A true win-win situation, don’t you agree?

Signs your exhaust needs repair

The cost to repair the exhaust systems or its components can vary widely by vehicle type, make and model, as well as which component needs repair and the extent of the damage. Replacing a catalytic converter, for example, can be significantly expensive, while re-hanging a loose exhaust pipe can be relatively inexpensive.

Whatever the repair, continuing to drive a car with a damaged exhaust will almost always cost more in the end than repairing the problem at the first sign of trouble. And it’s important to remember that the silencer and exhaust system do more than just quiet the car, they also prevent carbon monoxide fumes from building up in the cabin, reduce polluting emissions and ensure the vehicle runs at peak efficiency.

Here are some indicators that your car may need muffler repairs or exhaust system maintenance:

1. Increased volume when the engine is running
When your car’s exhaust note suddenly sounds more like a lawn mower or motorcycle, it’s a good sign that your car needs silencer repairs. For other drivers, the sound of needed exhaust system repairs may sound like buzzing, a low rumbling or a slightly louder exhaust note.

Because silencer and tailpipes are constantly exposed to the elements, they may wear more quickly than other parts. (Photo by Fred Patton)

Don’t just turn up the radio to drown out the noise – get the car to a silencer repair shop. Delaying needed repairs can eventually cost more in the form of more extensive damage, such as having to replace an otherwise usable component such as exhaust pipe, catalytic converter or silencer because it fell from your car.

2. Rattling at stop lights or stop signs
You might notice you get drowsy when driving, you might see a dashboard warning light, or you might notice your car occasionally hesitates or chugs when you try to start it. If you notice any of these issues, or if your car rattles when not moving, schedule an appointment for the silencer shop right away.

The catalytic converter is one of the highest priced exhaust system parts. As far as safety goes, it’s one of the most important parts to keep up. If a catalytic converter has a tiny hole, you might not notice it right away. The signs start out small.

3. Engine vibrations
If you notice a new vibration or loss of power when operating your car, have the exhaust system checked by a professional. You might notice the new vibration when you touch the steering wheel, foot pedals or car seat.

You might or might not hear a rumbling sound, depending on the size of the damaged area. An exhaust leak makes your car’s engine work harder, and that extra effort sometimes causes vibrations so intense that the driver feels them before hearing the leak.

4. Decreased fuel efficiency
If you notice you have to fill up your petrol tank more often than normal, have your exhaust system checked out by a silencer repair shop. Similar to the vibrations, increased fuel use is a sign something is wrong with your car. When the exhaust leaks, your engine works harder. When your engine works harder, it requires more fuel.