The exhaust system is a vital yet often overlooked car part that must function properly at all times. If you neglect to maintain the various components of your Ford exhaust, your engine could become damaged and your road safety may be threatened.
Ford Exhaust System Care: Ensuring Maximum Performance
Check Your Exhaust for Rust or Damage
It’s a good idea to periodically inspect your exhaust for signs of rust or any kind of corrosion. Clean away rust as best you can; have it professionally removed if necessary. But take note: you should always wait until the underside of your car has completely cooled down before going anywhere near it.
The exhaust is also susceptible to damage from potholes, curbs, parking stanchions, and other road obstacles you unintentionally drive over. Keep an eye out for dents or loosened manifold bolts, hangers, and pipes.
Take Longer Drives To Evaporate Moisture
Rust is often the death knell for components of an exhaust system. The condensation created inside every exhaust generates moisture, which is usually the primary cause of rust. This moisture causes rust, but if you mostly use your car for short drives of five or ten minutes, your exhaust might not heat up long enough to evaporate all the moisture; taking occasional longer drives will ensure your exhaust is properly dried out.
Clean Your Exhaust Often, Especially During Winter
When cleaning your car, don’t neglect to clean the undercarriage thoroughly, including every inch of the exhaust. This is particularly important in winter when clumps of salty snow can rapidly corrode the metal of exhaust pipes.
Watch Out for Signs of Exhaust Trouble
One of the best things you can do is learn the warning signs of exhaust trouble so you can nip problems in the bud early, avoiding far more expensive repair jobs. If you hear clunking or rattling from below, something may have come loose or the catalytic converter might be damaged. Foul smells in the cabin could also indicate issues with the cat, which is no longer properly clearing the fumes.
Problems with the engine can sometimes point to a clogged exhaust, which would hamper the flow of oxygen and gases through the vehicle. If your engine loses power or starts to misfire, have your exhaust checked.
Schedule Routine Inspections at Your Ford Dealership
As with many car parts, regular inspections are the key to a healthy exhaust system. It’s advisable to visit for an exhaust checkup at least once a year. Our technicians will quickly identify and repair any nascent problems before they get worse.
Maximizing the performance of your exhaust usually takes an expert eye. Visit Fernelius Ford, Inc. in Cheboygan, MI, today for a comprehensive exhaust inspection.
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