49 ~ Wednesday, October 26, 1988 - North Shore News

Check exhaust system

FROM THE installation of snow
tires to the flushing and filling of
your car’s radiator, the coming of
winter means pleaty of preparation
for your car.

One area often overlooked in
getting a car ready for winter is the
exhaust system.

Like any external car part, the
muffler and accompanying pipes
take abuse all year, and need to be
checked periodically to be sure the
system is in good working order.

An emissions test will tell you if
your car’s engine and exhaust
system are operating properly, and
a careful look under the car should
tell you if the muffler and pipes
are solidly intact.

If the system sourids louder than
usual, or if you hear a_ hissing
sound, it could mean your muffler
needs replacing or the pipes are
leaking deadly carbon monoxide.

With windows rolled up during
the cold months, this could be
dangerous.

Beizg under the car, the exhaust
system is subject to damage from
road debris. Corrosion from salt
and ‘noisture also is a problem and
can shorten the life of a muffler.

Some exhaust system manufac-
turers are going to great lengths to
extend the service life of their pro-
ducts to save consumers money.

One manufacturer for instance,
is us.ng a metal treating process
with its new line of high perfor-
mance mufflers to help to extend
the product life.

The process is called aluminiz-
ing, and involves coating the metal
used te construct the mufflers in
order to reduce corrosion.

The aluminizing process uses a
spray coating applied to the steel
sheets before final coiling.

As the sheets are being formed
and rolled into flat stock, a coating
is sprayed on which adheres to the
steel and becomes pert of the
metal.

The same firm also pioneered a
patented muffler using a combina-
tion of chemical compounds to ab-
sorb corrosive elements which col-
lect inside a muffler,

“This and the aluminizing pro-
cess are methods adopted to help
reduce corrosion and protect muf-
flers for extended life,’’ said
Kristine Johnson, market planning
manager for the company.

New developments feature a
one-piece body construction for
increased durability. It’s that add-
ed durability which could prolong
the life of your car’s muffler, and
prevent having to do costly repairs
or replacement during the winter
months,

Many mufflers are designed not
only for extended service lite, but
actually to heip your car perform
better. Through aerodynamic im-
provements, the mufflers reduce
back pressure and increase
horsepower.

Consider having your exhaust
system checked this fall as part of
your annual preventive
maintenance. Check for signs of
corrosion or damage to determine
whether you need a new muffler.

Putting a new muffler on now
may prevent losing one this fall,
and will eliminate having to get a
new one during the colder months
to come.

Classifieds Sei!
986-6222

at
co

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