What Do Exhaust Pipes Do?

When discussing what exhaust pipes do, we need to understand how exhaust pipes work. Your engine is a big air pump—air comes in, gets burned with the fuel and exits. It’s the exhaust pipes that facilitate this exit. They not only regulate the amount of exhaust coming out, they direct the gasses out and away from your car.

How Exhaust Pipes Work

Of course, the “pipe” isn’t just a straight tube from the motor to the tip. Many exhaust components, for smog regulations and actual configuration, are incorporated along the way. Starting at the exhaust headers, the exhaust flows through the y pipe (or x pipe), into the catalytic converter, through the muffler and out into the atmosphere via the exhaust tips.

The Benefits of Exhaust Pipes

Of course, like every car part, there’s a high-performance option when it comes to exhaust pipes. Brands like Flowmaster, Magnaflow, Bassani and Corsa exhaust are some of the biggest players in the business. What’s the difference, you ask. Well for instance, a Magnaflow x pipe or a Bassani x pipe is going to have a much larger diameter for better flow, and it’ll be crafted from stainless steel for a long life.

Choosing the Best Exhaust Pipe For Your Ride

Whether you go for the performance cat back exhaust option or not, topping off your exhaust with a set of polished chrome tailpipe tips can make any system look like a million bucks. Otherwise, if a high-performance rumble is not your thing, we recommend sticking with a factory replacement system. When shopping for any exhaust system, look for these key features: