EXHAUST SYSTEMS
Every car out there has an exhaust system; it performs the crucial job of turning thousands of explosions per minute into a quiet purr and route exhaust fumes to the exit at the back of the car which in turn contributes to the vehicles performance, emissions and fuel economy.
It's only when you hear or drive a car with a damaged exhaust or a hole in the system that causes the sound waves to be no longer forced through the tubes and escape outside, increasing the noise level and baffling effect.
The way an exhaust works is quite fascinating. It contains a set of tubes that are tuned to reflect the sound waves produced by an engine so that they cancel each other out. The exhaust manifold acts as a funnel. It collects exhaust gases from all cylinders of the engine then releases them through a single opening, often referred to as the front pipe.
The key components of your exhaust including the exhaust pipes and mufflers are designed for each car model. All of the components of an exhaust system are connected with a series of clamps, hangers, flanges and gaskets.
RADIATORS
Your cooling system is what keeps your car from having a meltdown. If you didn't have some way to cool things off, your engine would turn into a solid block of useless metal in no time flat. All of the parts that make up the cooling system have one goal of moving coolant around the engine so it can absorb and dissipate heat.
The radiator is the most prominent part of the system. Coolant that has travelled through the engine is pumped through the tubes of the radiator and is cooled off for another round. To prolong the life of your radiator a yearly service and change of antifreeze is recommended.
Your cooling system has a number of rubber hoses that move the fluid from one place to the other. These need to be replaced from time to time as they before they become brittle, cracked and leak.
The water pump does what you think it does - pumps the coolant through the system. The pump is belt driven, except in the case of some race cars that use an electric water pump.
Your engine isn't always the same temperature. When you start it on a cold morning, you want it to get warm quickly. If you stop in traffic, you want it to cool itself off. The thermostat controls the flow of coolant so that it cools down more or less depending on the temperature of the coolant.
We can help you with all your cooling system requirements.
DON'T COOK YOUR ENGINE!
ANTI-FREEZE
Antifreeze, also called coolant, is the coloured fluid (usually green or red) found in your radiator. Antifreeze serves a few purposes; the most important is keeping the water in your radiator and engine from freezing in cold temperatures.
Antifreeze also keeps that same water from boiling over in the summer. Radiators are normally filled with a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water.
The third function of antifreeze is lubrication; it lubricates the moving parts it comes in contact with, (e.g. the water pump), and also prevents rust and corrosion.
The key chemical component in today's coolants is ethylene glycol. Mixed correctly, this stuff can keep your radiator fluid from freezing, even if the temperature is less than 30 degrees below zero! That's cold.
The amazing thing is that it can also keep the same fluid from boiling at as much as 135 degrees Celsius. Antifreeze can really get control of those water molecules!
Your car's radiator and cooling system needs to be clean to be cool. As time goes on, your car's radiator builds solid deposits that can clog the cooling system. It’s a good idea to flush your radiator to clear out any gunk and prevent electrolysis due to breakdown of old coolant. A quick, inexpensive radiator flush can keep the system in shape. It's important to change your antifreeze yearly.
Safety Point: If you spill any coolant on the ground while you're filling, be sure to wipe it up. Coolant is very toxic to animals, but they like to drink it because it tastes sweet. Save a little furry life!
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