The Importance Of Working With The Right Mechanic

Your tires and exhaust system are two of the simplest components on your car. Nevertheless, they are both extremely important when it comes to keeping you and your passengers safe on the road

Tire Damage

If your car's tires blow out at the wrong time, you can completely lose control and cause a serious accident. Unfortunately, damaged tires tend to blow out at high speeds due to the stress of increased friction against the road. So if your tires are damaged, they're most likely to totally fail on you when you're driving fast down the highway, which is the most dangerous time to have a blowout.

A common point of failure is the tire sidewall. If you hit a large pothole, run over a large object, or scrape your tire hard against a curb, the internal wire structure of your tire can become weak and structurally unsound. You'll get what is commonly known as a tire bulge — a round knot jutting out from the side of your tire. If you hit another pothole or piece of road debris, or if you neglect to replace the damaged tire for too long, the bulge will likely rupture and cause your tire to completely blowout. 

Similarly, damage to the tread area of the tires can lead to a blowout if it's neglected for too long. If you find a nail or other piece of debris stabbed into your tire, or if you notice cracks in the rubber due to dry rot or prolonged wear and tear, have your tire replaced immediately. It's a small price to pay for the peace of mind and safety of you and your passengers.

Exhaust Piping and Gasket Leaks

Your exhaust system is one of the simplest components of your engine. It's merely a series of metal pipes that carry exhaust gasses from the engine to the rear of the vehicle. However, despite its simplicity, your exhaust system is extremely important in keeping your car safe for you and your passengers.

One of the byproducts of combustion is carbon monoxide. It's a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly when you inhale it in high enough concentrations. Your exhaust system is responsible for carrying carbon monoxide and other dangerous fumes safely to the rear of your vehicle where they're expelled into the atmosphere.

You would think a simple series of metal pipes would reliably last for the lifetime of your vehicle. However, the exhaust system is subjected to some extreme conditions. It's constantly heated to extremely high temperatures when you're driving. That causes the metal and rubber exhaust gaskets to expand and contract, making them prone to developing holes and leaks over time.

Furthermore, your exhaust system hangs down at the bottom of your car where it's constantly subjected to moisture and road debris. That makes it even more prone to developing damage and leaks, which can allow carbon monoxide and other dangerous fumes to seep into the cabin of your vehicle.

To ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers, have your exhaust system professionally inspected periodically. Have any damaged pipe sections and gaskets repaired or replaced immediately. 

Contact local auto services for more information or help.