The exhaust system collects post-combustion gases from the engine cylinders and safely routes them to the rear of the vehicle. It includes the exhaust manifold, catalytic converters for emissions reduction, resonators and mufflers for noise control, and the tailpipe. A well-designed system also maintains optimal exhaust gas velocity to improve engine performance.
The exhaust system is rusted through right behind the catalytic converter, causing that massive exhaust leak.
Related terms
Catalytic converter
An exhaust emission control device that reduces toxic gases and pollutants into less harmful compounds.
Muffler
An acoustic chamber in the exhaust system designed to reduce the noise generated by combustion.
Tailpipe
The final section of an exhaust system that vents combustion gases into the atmosphere.
Straight-pipe
To remove a vehicle's mufflers and catalytic converters, replacing them with empty tubing.