An exhaust system directs reaction exhaust gases away from controlled combustion within an engine. The entire system, which includes one or more exhaust pipes, transports burnt gases from the engine.
The exhaust system collects exhaust gases from the cylinders, removes harmful substances, reduces noise, and safely discharges the purified exhaust gases from the vehicle’s inhabitants.
Here are some of the key components of an Exhaust system:
The exhaust manifold connects to the cylinder head and combines the exhaust from each cylinder into a single pipe. The manifold can be made of steel, aluminium, stainless steel, or cast iron.
An oxygen sensor is used in all modern fuel-injected vehicles to measure the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. The computer can then add or subtract fuel to obtain the optimal mixture for maximum fuel economy. The oxygen sensor is installed in the exhaust manifold or near the exhaust pipe.
This muffler-like component converts harmful carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons to water vapour and carbon dioxide. Some converters also reduce harmful nitrogen oxides. The converter is located between the exhaust manifold and the muffler.
Every internal combustion engine emits “exhaust noise” due to the pulsating emission of gases from the cylinders. This noise must be reduced by lowering the sound energy of the exhaust gas flow. There are two basic options: sound absorption or reflection in the silencer. These two principles are usually combined in a single silencer.
Exhaust chambers and exhaust flaps are two more sound-absorbing and sound-modifying elements that can be used to eliminate particularly undesirable frequencies from outlet noise. Catalytic converters also have a sound-absorbing effect.
The muffler alone cannot always quiet all the engine noise. Many exhaust systems also include a resonator which is like a mini-muffler. They are usually straight pipes filled with sound-muffling materials. The resonator can be either before or after the muffler in the exhaust system.
The exhaust pipe connects all the abovementioned components and transports the gas out of your tailpipe. Exhaust tubing is typically made of steel, but it can also be stainless steel (which lasts longer due to its corrosion resistance) or aluminized steel tubing. Aluminized steel resists corrosion better than plain steel but not as well as stainless steel. However, aluminized steel is less expensive than stainless steel.
A combustion engine produces exhaust gases after the fourth cycle. The exhaust manifold is connected to the engine and is designed with pipes running through each cylinder. It only has one output. The manifold collects exhaust gases from the various chambers and routes them through a single pipe. A poppet valve controls the opening and closing of the exhaust manifold.
After the exhaust gases are collected, they are piped through the catalytic converter. Stock pipings are designed to reduce vehicle costs, so they have unnecessary tapers that affect exhaust gas pressure and can cause back pressure, which leads to failure.
Oxygen sensors measure the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas. Too much oxygen indicates that the car is not using enough fuel, while too little oxygen indicates that the car is using too much fuel. This information is sent to the TCU, which modifies the fuel delivery accordingly.
The catalytic converter is a complex system that employs chemistry to convert harmful NOx and CO gases into simple, harmless gases. It degrades the gases through two processes: reduction and oxidation. When a NOx particle passes through the catalyst, it is reduced. The converter converts the NOx particle into N and O, both harmless. As a result, it is known as reduction. When a CO particle passes through, oxidation occurs.
All of the gases from the engine pass through the exhaust pipe on their way to the catalytic converter and silencer. The catalytic converter removes harmful toxins from the exhaust gases, making your vehicle more environmentally friendly, and the silencer reduces the overall volume to a comfortable level.
A hole in the exhaust pipe can interfere with all these processes by allowing exhaust fumes to escape prematurely, resulting in a leak of harmful toxins, increased noise, and decreased engine pressure.
Because an exhaust system removes harmful gases and fumes from your vehicle, it is essential. Its functionality is critical to the condition and safety of the vehicle.
Any issues with your exhaust should be addressed immediately, whether a few cracks in the pipe or it’s hanging off the back of your car. However, the severity of your exhaust problem can be affected by driving with it untreated indefinitely.
Because most exhaust system customers are concerned with sound quality, Gustafson Auto Clinic in Wabasca, AB. recommends looking for the words “no drone.” An exhaust drone is a loud, monotone sound reverberating throughout the cabin as you drive. (You can see why you might want to avoid this on a daily driver). One of the main reasons to stick with more reputable brands when shopping is to keep drones at bay
Numerous manufacturers can provide a low-cost straight pipe. The question is, how long will it last? Is it going to come off? Is it going to pass inspection?
The quality of the stainless steel is an important factor to consider when purchasing an exhaust upgrade. Stainless steel has superior high-temperature properties in addition to resisting rust (hence the name). As a result, it’s ideal for headers and exhaust systems.
So why wait? Upgrade your exhaust system in Wabasca, AB, get in touch with Gustafson Auto Clinic.
Appreciate the friendly customer service and reasonable pricing. Vehicle was ready ahead of schedule. Great local business!
Sara Graling Nov 11, 2025
First time coming in . Place was very warm and welcoming :) staff were super friendly . Completed what I needed done in a timely manner. Will definitely go there again :)
Maurice Groves Oct 10, 2025
Great staff. Good experience. Only fixed what I asked them to fix, nothing more. Quote was bang on and very detailed.
Richard Fontaine Oct 10, 2025
Always get great friendly service there.
ron souster Oct 10, 2025
Very straight forward,greet customer service,Gustafson’s auto clinic has true leaders and greet staff,very happy with my business there!!!!
Ethan Dennis Sep 9, 2025
They provided prompt professional service and had my car back on the road in no time!
colin byers Sep 9, 2025
Good mechanics, prices, and customer service. They’ll never try to sell you a repair you don’t need. Also worth mentioning that it is the cleanest mechanic shop I’ve ever seen
Audrey Pidlubny Sep 9, 2025
Price was good and they were able to accommodate my schedule. Great staff and pleasant environment.
Mike Pelletier Sep 9, 2025
Appointment reservation system works great and you can count on knowledgeable and friendly service.
Darcy Dierker Sep 9, 2025
Not an online guy by any stretch of anyone’s imagination but Gustafson’s Auto asked for a review & they treat me so well I’ll give it a shot . I mostly run older vehicles & I like everything working right & looking good . Kevin & Stacy & Colton & everyone else there have made sure repairs were done right & at a fair price ever since I showed up there out of the blue with truck trouble quite a few years ago . Besides regular maintenance like brakes , steering & suspension they have done some unique work for me that many other shops wouldn’t touch & I probably wouldn’t trust them with anyway . I have 1 fairly new vehicle & when it needs attention I would rather take it to Kevin than to the dealer . I know you can’t please all the people all the time but they sure please me & that’s not easy .
Brian Twining Aug 8, 2025
The staff at Gustafson's are at the top of their game every time we go there . Very friendly and inviting atmosphere. Highly recommend them for all your services needed on your vehicle 👍 👌
Collin Sikora Aug 8, 2025
Gustafson were truly angels! Last minute problems with my truck were going to interfere with my holiday plans. They orders parts and got my truck fixed just in time! So thankful! They are the best!!
Jackie Shank Aug 8, 2025
Excellent service as usual!! I have remained a customer for 15 years now. I always feel well looked after and trust that I can take my car on the highway with no anxiety. Thanks to the team at Gustafson’s!!👍🏼
Brandi Lamont Aug 8, 2025
Very pleased with the service. Didn’t solve the problem on first try but didn’t give up until the problem was resolved ! Well done
Ross Lindenberger Aug 8, 2025
Great quick friendly service
Gregory Wade Topola Jun 6, 2023
Simply put you are not a number on a waiting list but rather being treated like you are part of their family. They are the real deal!
Paul C Harris Jul 7, 2025
Phenomenal service!!! They went above and beyond to diagnose and repair concerns on my Ford Escape and now it works smoothly. Thank you very much to Kevin and the team at Gustafson's Auto Clinic in Athabasca , AB. I highly recommend this business.
Lois Redding Jul 7, 2025
Very helpful and item that I requested for my vehicle is good quality. The service was done very well and completed when I was told it would be.
Kathy Clow Jul 7, 2025
Amazing service and expertise. We were on vacation in Calling Lake with friends of ours. Their truck broke down with a fuel pump issue. All the other automotive part suppliers told us it would take 3+ days for a replacement part. Kevin managed to get it the very next morning early. Great service and expertise
Michael Eybers Jul 7, 2025
Very satisfied
Howard Mason Jul 7, 2025
I've brought all of my vehicles here for some work over the past couple months and I can't say anything but good things. Great customer service, great technicians. Getting parts in fast and scheduling the vehicles in a timely manner. I look forward to bringing all of my business to Gustafsons Trail Tire in Athabasca.
Devon Mackenzie May 5, 2025
Recently had my ac repaired here and as usual the service was excellent.
Dean Oilberta Mar 3, 2025
Kevin and his team are a pleasure to deal with! Very professional and not trying to rip you off! Would highly recommend them if you are looking for auto service in Athabasca.
Kevin Gay Jun 6, 2025
5+ star service. If I could, they would get more stars. This business is a friendly knowledgeable family run business and I am happy to be their customer Way to go Gustafsons Trail Tire Auto Center
Debbie Chrusch Jan 1, 2025
Service was great, didn’t do anything that wasn’t asked for, gave great prices. Definitely will coming here again for future repairs and replacements
Sam May 5, 2025
Had my CP4 high pressure fuel pump on my 6.7
Bayne Balaski Mar 3, 2025
Great, reliable, service and people. Highly recommend!!
Shawn Jackson Dec 12, 2024
**Outstanding Service & Expertise!** I’ve been bringing my vehicles to Kevin and his team for some time now, and I can confidently say they are first-class professionals. They always get the job done right the first time, with meticulous attention to detail and expert craftsmanship. Beyond their technical skills, Kevin and Stacy make every visit a pleasure with their warm, friendly, and helpful approach. It’s rare to find a team that combines top-quality repairs with such genuine customer care. Absolutely no complaints—just pure appreciation for the exceptional service they provide!
Ian Nichols May 5, 2025
Friendly staff when I come in. The service is great, always on time and they let me know if there are any issues or what needs to be done.
Wendy Yakowchuk May 5, 2025
Great service and my exhaust turned out great with no rattles or squeeks. Thank you again
Larry S Apr 4, 2025
As always a pleasure to deal with they were able to book me in with a very short wait time and even had the job done a day early.
Graeme Douglas Apr 4, 2025
I was on my way to a job test when J blew a wheel bearing and was sidelined on the highway, they got me in the next morning and I was on my way an hour later. Great service, hopefully I don’t break down like that again but if I did I would go to this shop everytime.
jesse tilander Apr 4, 2025
Fantastic
Grant Gustafson Mar 3, 2025
Professional, friendly, speedy service.
Calvin St.Louis Apr 4, 2025
Solid service at fair price. Great experience. They'll be getting my business again.
Brian Potts Apr 4, 2025
Gustafson’s Trail Tire in Athabasca took what was a horrible experience of my truck broke down & stranded on the side of the road. Scheduled it into their already busy garage. Quoted & repaired the issue. Took the time to ensure some smaller details were looked after so that I could make it home. Without hesitation! Would strongly recommend!
Justin Kohlman Mar 3, 2025
Gustafson's Auto has been our "Go To" service and repair shop for over 30 years. Pricing is competitive. work is completed as promised, and they stand behind their work. There have been several times where they've gone above and beyond. Thank you Kevin, Stacey and Colton.
Gerry Kiselyk Mar 3, 2025
Prompt, helpful, friendly service
Michael Wallace Mar 3, 2025
The service was quick and done right!
Sharron McKinnon Mar 3, 2025
Professional and offer the best services. I’ll recommend them first to anyone in Athabasca and its environ 👍
Alogo emmanuel Alogo Mar 3, 2025
Vehicle was repaired on time and at the quoted price. Knowledgable staff explained options for parts and why I needed them and what I could do at a later date.
Warren Zyla Mar 3, 2025
They have managed to fix shit that I give up on like my exhaust system. Also they found much more problems with my car than other local tire giants. So I’m putting in all the right new parts in this time
Unknown Shopper Mar 3, 2025