Some of the Parts That Help Control Your Car's Emissions

While most people understand a smog or emissions test is needed to register a vehicle, they know nothing about the emissions and exhaust systems. The main objective of the emissions system is to reduce the amount of toxic gases that are released from your vehicle. Here is some information about the different parts and what they do to prevent your vehicle from causing too much air pollution.

Emission control starts with the exhaust manifold. Connected directly to the engine block, it collects exhaust gasses from all the cylinder chambers and funnels them to the catalytic converter. In the manifold engine noises are reduced, the air-fuel ratio is checked, and the heated exhaust gases start to cool down.

If the manifold is cracked or damaged, not only will the engine be louder, you may also feel the heat come up through the floorboard. In addition, you may notice the gas pedal shakes a bit. A damaged manifold will cause damage to the catalytic converter. If you suspect something is wrong, get it checked and fixed as soon as possible to avoid a higher repair bill.

Inside the manifold are two oxygen sensors. When the air-fuel mixture is wrong, the sensor sends a message to the engine to either or decrease the amount of fuel sent to the combustion chamber.

The correct air-fuel mixture keeps the vehicle running at peak performance and burns the fuel more efficiently so there is less released into the atmosphere. If you realize the gas mileage of the vehicle has suddenly dropped, have a mechanic check the oxygen sensors.

The catalytic converter sits between the exhaust manifold and the muffler. The job of the catalytic converter is to change hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and water. A honeycomb-like structure of platinum and/or palladium acts as the catalyst for the conversion. As the harmful gases pass through the honeycomb they are oxidized into harmless components.

If you or your passengers start to feel weak, dizzy, or nauseous, the pipe leading to the catalytic converter and the converter itself should be inspected. When there is a leak in the system or a problem within the converter, carbon monoxide can fill the passenger area of the vehicle. Inhaling carbon monoxide makes people ill and if a person is exposed to too much of this gas it is deadly.

The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve opens and shuts to return a small portion of the exhaust gas back into the engine to reduce the temperature in the combustion chamber. A lower temperature burns more of the nitrogen oxide, reducing the amount that pollutes the air.

The lower temperature also prevents early detonation in the cylinder chamber. When there is early detonation the pistons move before they should, hitting the top of the cylinder too fast and hard, damaging the internal parts of the engine. If you hear a rhythmic ping or knock from the engine, it could be a bad EGR valve.

Emission control is more important than being able to register your vehicle. It is also vital to the performance and efficiency of the automobile and the health and safety of the people inside the car. If you suspect your car's emission isn't functioning like it should, schedule an appointment to have it repaired.

Contact Redford Auto Repair when you are in need of emission testing for vehicle registration and any time your vehicle's performance starts to dwindle. We will not only make sure the vehicle is compliant with emissions regulations, but will also make sure the vehicle is performing well and there are no dangerous gases getting into the cab.