Car Exhaust Materials and How to Maintain Them!
In order to run, a car engine must perform combustion. The byproducts of combustion must be expelled through the exhaust. Therefore, the main function of the exhaust is as a channel for the disposal of combustion residues that occur in the car engine.
In addition, the exhaust serves to dampen the loud noise during combustion. Furthermore, the exhaust must also regulate pollution or smoke that comes out and help increase engine power. Each exhaust has different sizes. The installation of the exhaust on the car should not be arbitrary. For example, in terms of the diameter of the exhaust pipe. The diameter of the exhaust pipe can maintain the balance between the speed of the exhaust gas and the amount of gas that will be expelled by the engine.
An exhaust with a large diameter will reduce the speed of the exhaust, but can provide a larger space for the amount of gas to be expelled. On the other hand, a small diameter pipe can increase speed while reducing the amount of exhaust gas. Besides its size, the exhaust also has different materials. Its components affect the durability and strength of the exhaust, you know. There are four common materials used for exhausts, namely Stainless, Aluminized, Galvanized, and Monel. What are the differences among these four materials? Let's find out more!
Stainless Exhaust Material
Stainless is often referred to as alloy metal. This material consists of a mixture of steel, chromium, nickel, and others. Exhausts made of stainless tend to be rust-resistant. That's why the price of stainless exhausts is relatively high. However, this lightweight exhaust is susceptible to heat and can retain more heat than other materials.
Aluminized Exhaust Material
It can be said that the quality of this material is one level below stainless. The aluminized material consists of a mixture of iron and stainless. This material is also often referred to as ALC pipe. Aluminized has the potential to rust.
Galvanized Exhaust Material
With a relatively low price, galvanized exhausts are often found in markets or workshops. However, this material is very prone to rust. Therefore, the durability of galvanized exhausts is shorter than that of aluminized exhausts.
Monel Exhaust Material
Monel is a pipe made of a mixture of nickel, copper, a little iron, sulfur, and other elements. Many say that monel exhausts need to be frequently maintained/cleaned to prevent rust spots from appearing. Usually, monel is the material used by car manufacturers to make other new exhausts.
In addition to the four materials above, there are also titanium and carbon materials. These materials are lightweight and strong. However, the cost you will incur for these materials will be higher. This is due to the special techniques required for their production. Moreover, the materials are quite difficult to find. Nowadays, we can find exhaust manufacturers that combine several exhaust materials into one assembly.
For example, the head and neck of the exhaust use galvanized material while the silencer uses stainless. This combination can make the exhaust more durable at a relatively low cost.
Now, you know some of the materials or components that make up the exhaust. Actually, each material still has a tendency to rust. The durability is just different. Of course, this durability can be extended with regular maintenance. With a wire brush, fine sandpaper, and a cloth, you can reduce the potential for rust. If it has already rusted, you can use anti-rust liquid. If your car has just gone through the rain, be sure to wash it with clean water and special car shampoo.
Once rinsed and the car is completely dry, you just need to spray anti-rust liquid on the parts of the exhaust that need it. To prevent rust on the car exhaust, you can put a few drops of oil into the exhaust hole. Start the car after a few drops of oil have been added to the exhaust. The exhaust will emit white smoke. Don't worry, that means the oil is breaking down the rust inside the exhaust hole.
Read also: How the Car Carburetor Works
