The end silencer of a car is the final part of the exhaust system. This last is made up of an exhaust manifold, a catalytic converter a middle silencer or resonator and finally, the end silencer, which is more commonly called the exhaust pipe.
Since January 1st, 2011, new Diesel motors are required to be fitted with a diesel particulate filter (DPF). It is attached to the exhaust system and enables the filtering out of fine, carcinogenic particles present in the exhaust gases of a Diesel engine.
The function of the exhaust pipe is to expel exhaust gases and filter out noxious particles emitted during fuel combustion. It also plays a crucial role in noise reduction. In order to respect the environment and conform with current legislation, it is essential for the exhaust system to be in perfect condition.
An exhaust pipe which is no longer functioning correctly does not sufficiently reduce the noise from gas explosions, making them perceptible to the ear. In addition to creating noise pollution, defective pipes lead to the overconsumption of fuel. On top of that, a worn end silencer actually poses a threat to the entire exhaust system.
It is, therefore, recommended to check your exhaust pipe every 20,000 km. Be aware that the average lifespan of a silencer is typically 80,000 km, decreasing to 60,000 km if your vehicle is mostly used in an urban environment. It is also advised to regularly check the state of the rubbers, collars and springs that hold the exhaust pipe together.
The entire exhaust system will be severely tested because the gases are extremely corrosive. It will, therefore, suffer significant interior wear and tear and also become exposed to a number of exterior dangers:
Below are some signs that will enable you to recognise a faulty end silencer: