Exhaust systems are generally ignored by most car owners. But, there is a lot of muscle in a good car exhaust system. The exhaust system of your car is essentially a tubing system that guides exhaust fumes and waste gases away from the engine of your car, and into the air outside through one or two exhaust pipes. The design of exhaust systems has to be perfect in order to facilitate the transportation of toxic gases. Additionally, the pipe must be heat resistant because most engines are very hot and pipes that become too hot can easily cause burns and scalds. If the pipe has holes, it will emit toxic wastes and your car will fail its MOT test. So, a robust exhaust system is vital to health of your car and of the environment.

If you ever thought that style and performance cannot coexist in exhaust systems, think again. These days, exhaust systems in cars are bought not just for their functionality, but also for their appearance. Good exhaust systems must look good and do a good job of waste disbursal. That is why carbon fiber exhaust systems have become very popular with consumers. You can find a wide range of carbon fiber mufflers that have a clear gloss finish that contain visible natural carbon fiber running around precision welded stainless steel pipes. Thus, these mufflers can easily provide the strength and impetus required for instant acceleration. Full carbon fiber exhaust systems may not operate properly under high temperature, but the fusion of stainless steel and carbon fiber will yield durability and performance, not to mention great looks too!

Two of the most popular kinds of exhaust systems are those made from carbon fiber and those made from titanium fiber. Of these, carbon fiber exhaust systems seem to be more popular due to various reasons. Carbon fiber exhaust systems are lighter. They are also easier to clean and they are very low maintenance. In contrast, titanium exhaust systems look good initially, but they scratch a lot and are difficult to maintain. So, if you want good looks but low maintenance, go for carbon fiber exhaust systems. Carbon mufflers give your car that aggressive race car look.

However, carbon filter exhaust systems do have a tendency to fade when they are exposed to UV rays for long periods. But using a UV resistant cleaner or protectant will help you keep this problem at bay for a long time. Carbon fiber exhaust systems are also cool to the touch even after a ride, thus making them safer for long term use.

Your car’s exhaust is vital to its health, yours and your passenger’s. An exhaust not working properly is disaster waiting to happen. Not only will your car and travel be noisy, you and your passengers may end up sick, too. Here are some information on exhausts.

What is an Exhaust?

An exhaust is the system comprising of engine parts through which steam or burned gases are discharged. It is a group of pipes that connects a catalytic converter and a silencer to the engine. The tailpipe of the exhaust is that part you can see that stretches from the car’s back part. Joining it is the silencer that consists of metal tubes or plates with holes in them. The holes help reduce the pressure produced by the exhaust gases. With several pipes, the silencer is then connected to a catalytic converter then to the engine.

How does the exhaust system work?

As mentioned earlier, the exhaust’s silencer works to reduce noise levels. Containing a tube set made to reflect sound waves made by the engine, sound waves are canceled out. Meanwhile, the exhaust pipes are intended to guide exhaust fumes directly behind the car than anywhere else. Then acting as a funnel is the exhaust manifold. It gathers exhaust gases from the engine cylinders, freeing them at a single opening known as the front pipe.

What are the functions of an exhaust?

The exhaust has four main uses. One, it improves the consumption of fuel. Second, it enhances the engine’s performance. Third, it leads exhaust fumes off from the passengers inside the vehicle. And lastly, it helps control the noise of the engine.

How long does an exhaust last?

An exhaust will last depending on how far you travel or how often you use your car. Cars that are driven for short trips are more inclined to corrode its exhaust than those cars used for long trips. Therefore, the extent of time you use your car won’t matter in the exhaust’s duration.

What happens if the exhaust fails?

A failing exhaust will let your car fail in the required MOT test. If your exhaust system has holes, your car would be emitting toxic fumes. Remember, exhaust emissions consists of pollutants including carbon monoxide. Carbon Monoxide can suppress the blood’s capability in absorbing oxygen thus causing minor or major health setbacks such as headaches and chest pains. In other words, if you have a faulty exhaust, you, your passenger’s and your car’s health is in danger.

An exhaust header is an after market automotive part designed to improve vehicle performance. The small gain in performance facilitated by an exhaust header is important to high performance drivers who often make other modifications to their vehicles in order to increase speed. These modifications include the installation of larger intake vents for the engine. An exhaust header modifies the exhaust system to prevent back pressure, meaning that the cylinders do not have to work as hard to push exhaust out as they do in a traditional system. There are different types of exhaust headers depending on the needs of the drivers, with some tuned for low performance and others aimed at high performance on the open road.

In a conventional exhaust system, after the cylinders combust, they push the exhaust out into the exhaust manifold, which routes the exhaust out of the vehicle through the exhaust pipe. However, the exhaust manifold can create a back pressure which pushes against the cylinder, meaning that it has to exert more energy to push the exhaust out and prepare for the next firing. As a result, some efficiency can be lost.

An exhaust header works differently, essentially creating a miniature exhaust pipe for each cylinder and routing the exhaust to a centralized collector which is much larger. The pipes of an exhaust header are bent to fit under the hood and cut to the same length so that the exhaust gases will arrive sequentially in the collector as each cylinder fires. This eliminates the back pressure problem and allows the cylinders to operate more effectively.

Aftermarket headers can be bolted in place of the stock cast-iron headers. Small block headers usually use 1-5/8-inch primary tubes and big-block headers use 1-3/4-inch tubes. An important consideration when choosing headers is quality of materials. Header tubing vary in thickness, but a good quality header should use between 18-gauge and 14-gauge tubing. The metal used in the header is also important. Some headers are mild-steel, which will rust and corrode over time. Headers can be coated, either with a ceramic coating or a high-temperature paint. Using 100% stainless steel construction eliminates the need for coatings, but it is usually out many buyer’s budgets. When headers are shipped, they sometimes come painted. Be aware that this coating is only for rust prevention during shipping, and the paint will not hold up to the heat once the header is installed. When headers are added along with a cat-back exhaust and high-flow catalytic converter, you can usually gain 20-30 horsepower over stock.

In some cases, an exhaust header can be tuned to pull at the exhaust valve of the next cylinder and suck the exhaust out, meaning even less work for the cylinder. Drivers who desire more power for around town driving and better acceleration under a heavy load usually opt for a low performance exhaust header, while drivers who are looking for speed on the open road prefer high performance headers.

A variety of manufacturers make exhaust headers for a dizzying assortment of vehicles, and it is important to install the exhaust header designed for your car. Because exhaust leaks can be dangerous, the exhaust header should be installed with care, or professionally if there is any uncertainty. An improperly installed header could lead to an exhaust leak which vents into the cabin of the vehicle, causing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning in the driver and passengers.

A disheveled Mr. Sweeny hurries into the Social Studies room moments after the bell rings ? late as usual. ?Happy Hump Day!? the class yells. Patrick Sweeny has been teaching Social Studies for thirteen years now. You would think he would have gotten the routine down, but tardiness is no stranger to Mr. Sweeny. He is usually found darting through the halls, in a constant state of disarray ? a pile of books under one arm, a briefcase under the other, coffee in one hand, a brown bag sack lunch in the other.

Style, on the other hand, is foreign language to him ? it went extinct with dinosaurs as far as Patrick Sweeny is concerned. One might think his wardrobe was similar to that of a superhero?s closet, consisting of multiple pairs of the same outfit, but the remnants of chalk dust and pit stains allude to a different, less exciting story.

?Hump day. I wish?? mumbles Mr. Sweeny softly under his breathe. Poor ole Sweeny boy hadn?t enjoyed the company of a woman in years, maybe decades. But can you blame him? Receding hairlines and bad hygiene aren?t exactly in style these days; well, maybe bad hygiene.

?Hey Mr. Sweeny, what are we learning about today?? asked Samantha Wilcott, a future valedictorian.

?Why don?t we start by going over last night?s homework? Everyone please take it out-?

?Sweeny, I want to see you out in the hall,? boomed Principle Harrison?s deep voice. He had the perfect voice for a principle. His vocal chords had the power to send chills down a freshman?s spine, the power to break up a fist fight, the power to sing ?Chocolate Rain.?

The kids in the classroom could hear the bass from Principle Harrison?s voice echoing, ?Sweeny, do you have any idea how many times you?ve been late this year??

Sweeny start to stammer, ?Well? I uh?Can?t recall the exact -?.

?38! 38 days. If you were a student you?d be held back. If you were my kid you?d be grounded. Heck, if this were taxes, you?d be arrested!?

Sweeny just stood there with his head hanging down, finally noticing the chalk dust covering his shirt. ?Point taken Greg.? Greg was Principal Harrison?s first name.

?I don?t mean to come down you, but you need to make it here on time. If you can?t, I will find someone who can.?

Sweeny nodded and returned to the classroom. He wasn?t in the mood for teaching anymore, or for talking at all for that matter. So he passed out a quiz and sat as his desk in silence.

The problem isn?t that he is lazy. The problem is that he is extremely disorganized. From the moment he wakes up, Mr. Sweeny is constantly playing catch up. Today he was out of toothpaste. If it?s not toothpaste he?s out of, it?s milk, or ink for his printer, or something else. He then has to drive over to the supermarket to get his supplies and ends up being late for work.

So how on earth will Sweeny be able to salvage his job, his dignity, and his life? It hit him like Babe Ruth knocking one out of the park. The problem was his car. His beat up little sedan was always having problems. He needed something, like Principle Harrison?s voice, that would let people know that he was coming and they better watch out.

He ended up attaching a growling, earth-shaking performance exhaust in combination with nice throaty air intake.

Feeling tired, exhausted or continuously fatigued can make your life miserable. You may be suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or there may be other causes of your fatigue.

Generally if this has persisted for several weeks or even months you should consider consulting a physician or your general practitioner. On the other hand you may consider trying to change your diet and lifestyle. If you are aware of changes that would improve your general health and possibly relieve your fatigue this may be a simple solution. Consider the follow possible changes:

Stop smoking – Smoking effects the capacity of the lungs to supply your body with life giving oxygen Drink Six to Eight Glasses of water per day – Water flushes toxins from your system Eat Plenty of Fruit – Fruit contains natural sugars rather refined sugars Taking dietary supplements that will supply nutrients that your diet is deficient of

One of the important supplements you should consider is concentrated fish oil capsules. These fish oil capsules contain Omega3 fats which are essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are fats that are required by the body for its functioning but that the body cannot manufacture itself. Essential fatty acids must be contained in the diet and are converted by the body in fatty acids that can be used within the body. These are known as DHA and EPA and are important in the functioning of the body.

A lack of Omega3 fatty acids have been shown in medical studies to have the following effects on the body:

Arrhythmias – Disturbing abnormal electrical activity in the heart Lower Triglyceride Levels – Triglycerides are an important source of energy and transport of dietary fats Lower Blood pressure – This can lead to fatigue and dizziness

Low levels of Omega3 fats in the system are also related to:

Poor Circulation Memory Problems Depression Tiredness and Chronic Fatigue (CFS)

Considering these effects of the lack of essential fatty acids, diet becomes a very important factor when considering strategies to overcome fatigue. Omega3 fatty acids are contained in foods such as grains, nuts, vegetable oils and cold water oily fish. The grains which contain these fats are flax seeds. Nuts high in fatty acids are walnuts. Olive oil is also high in omega3 fats.

One of the most common sources of Omega3 fatty acids is cold water oily fish such as salmon, sardines, tuna and halibut. Fish caught in the wild are higher in these fatty acids because they consume naturally available algae which are converted by the fish into Omega3 fats.

If you are suffering from fatigue you may consider using dietary supplements containing these Omega3 fats. These are usually available as gelatin capsules which are easy to take and have a long self life. When purchasing these supplements try to find the most concentrated and purest capsules available.

Generally they are produced using micro distillation processes that ensure there are no contaminants in the end product. Before starting a program of supplements always consult your general practitioner or physician or at least make them aware that you are doing so.

An Omega3 supplement program will not be an instant solution to fatigue but in the long term you will find that you have more energy, feel better and can enjoy life more. Start now to improve your well being by taking Omega3 supplements.

A Healthy Body is a Happy Body.

There are several methods to control hazardous chemicals. The best method is to eliminate it; the next best solution is to substitute a less toxic or less hazardous chemical for the one in use. If the substance in use cannot be engineered out and there is no way to prevent all harmful levels of exposure, then ventilation is used. The next best method is the wear of personal protective equipment and, when there is no way to control exposure, to regulate the amount of time an employee can be exposed to the chemical through administrative controls. A combination of general ventilation (whole area air circulation) and local ventilation is commonly employed.

Local ventilation is provided through vacuum air suction for removing vapors, gases, and particulates at the source of the airborne contamination. It is a major engineering control for removing hazardous chemical vapors, dusts, and fumes from the point of generation. The vacuuming action prevents the contaminant from entering the worker’s breathing zone or from entering general air. There are several types and many applications of local ventilation systems.

Use an enclosed hood when conducting chemical experiments and pouring hazardous materials. These types of enclosed hoods are called chemical fume hoods. They control vapor or particle generation during pouring operations, involving highly reactive or corrosive chemicals or carcinogens. These hoods have a lift or swing door for access at the front of the enclosure.

Use the glove box for greater contaminant exposure control. During normal use, the hood can not be opened; operations and manipulations are performed by putting hands and arms into rubberized/flexible gloves. Glove boxes are normally used when the risk of exposure to minute amounts of a hazardous substance can not be tolerated for the amount of time it takes to complete a task.

A commonly used local ventilation vacuum system is the movable “elephant trunk.” The exhaust intake is at the end of a movable or fixed position intake system consisting of a hood over the generation point. Examples of local ventilation at the generation point include capture of airborne contaminants generated by use of solvents, cutting oils, soldering and brazing materials.

For more information about the content of this article, consult Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)/Globally Harmonized System Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Section 8, “Exposure Control/Personal Protection.” For information about references, products, and solutions involving equipment systems to provide local ventilation, click on this link to access the blog, “Using Local Exhaust Ventilation to Control Hazardous Chemical Exposures.”

Sunstroke is a very dangerous condition which can be fatal or, at best, can cause permanent damage. This happens when the body’s thermostat fails to work because of overheating. This condition is not just one that occurs from exposure to too much sun but can be caused by extreme heat in any environment, including workplace environments such as steelworks. Although this condition is called sunstroke, it is more apt to call it heatstroke as the real cause is not the sun’s rays but the intense heat produced by the sun.

Dehydration and salt deficiency can cause heat exhaustion. Take time to acclimatise to high temperatures and make sure you get sufficient liquids. Wear loose clothing and a broad-brimmed hat. Do not do anything too physically demanding.

Getting too much sun or being careless around an outside grill can result in summer burns. For minor first degree burns caused by brief contact with a hot object, water or steam, and sunburn, cool the skin by first holding it under running water, then apply a cold pack to numb the pain. If blistering occurs (second or third degree burns) seek medical help.

Drink plenty of cool water to keep yourself hydrated and reduce your body?s core temperature. (Warm water won?t do this, and cold water might be a shock to sensitive systems.) Drink regularly, every hour, even if you don?t feel thirsty. Avoid soft drinks and alcoholic drinks that are actually diuretic and rob your body of the water it desperately needs.

Heat stroke is generally considered when the body core temperature exceeds 40 deg C, and represents a failure of the body?s temperature regulation mechanisms. The person will have experienced the signs of heat exhaustion and may then show signs of decreased sweating, feeling faint or dizzy, mental irritation (confusion, altered consciousness, irrational behavior), and finally collapse.

For every person that has migraines, the results of one person’s symptoms may vary from the next person’s symptoms. Therefore not everyone is doing the same thing in the prevention of migraines. And in some cases as in the topic sunglasses and migraines, some people may have less sensitivity to light as may the next person have more of a sensitivity to noise or with the next person sound.

Heat Rash also can appear as large, reddened areas of skin. Babies and children are also more likely to be affected than adults because of their underdeveloped sweat glands, in which case the rash is commonly found in the nappy area and in the skin folds or on the neck. Heat Rash can also occur in cooler climates when sweating is a problem.

The most important step in preventing heat illness is to hydrate before, during, and after physical activity. Dehydration is common in all heat illnesses. Mild dehydration (2%) can decrease athletic performance as well as decrease the body’s ability to regulate temperature. Thirst in not a good indicator of dehydration, because it is activated when the body is already 2-3% dehydrated. You should drink 8-12 ounces of fluid before exercise, and every 20 minutes during exercise.

Exhaust hangars are rubber straps that support your muffler and hold it close to the frame of the car. If you’re hearing a noise or seeing a spark from under your car, there is a good chance that you have a broken exhaust hanger. The first thing you need to do is look underneath your car and locate the muffler; you should see an exhaust hanger close by. If this hanger is broken, you will be able to tell right away.

Once you have found the broken hanger, remove it from the frame and the muffler. If it is a two piece, make sure you remove all of the pieces. You are ready to install the new hanger. Begin by attaching the hangar to the top mount on the car. Once that is done, let it hang there while you get ready for the next step.

If you have someone helping you, have them hold the muffler while you connect it to the hanger you just installed. If you don’t have a helper, put the muffler mount inside the mount while you hold the muffler up. Find a crescent wrench and use the end with the hole in it. Put the handle end through the hanger and put the hole end of the wrench to hang it on the mount. Another way to hold the muffler is to use a wire and attach it to a sturdy or stationary part of the car.

Exhaust hangers are fairly easy fix as long as you can remove the whole hanger yourself. If the car is an older model, you may find rust and corrosion. This can make it very difficult to remove the old hangar. Try using heat from a torch to cut it off. Be very careful of grease and of course, the gas tank. If are still having trouble, give your local muffler shop a call. If they are reputable and not too busy, they can fix it fairly quickly and for a reasonable price.

Today?s homes are built to be ?airtight? and energy efficient with few drafts. In terms of heating and cooling bills, an airtight home can dramatically lower your heating and air conditioning bills. In terms of air ventilation, however, an airtight home may be dangerous to your health and safety.

Why is an ?Airtight? Home is Dangerous?

Having proper air ventilation goes further than just getting rid of foul odors. In fact, air exhausting is about:

Preventing excess moisture that cause biological pollutants like mold and mildew that: Become harmful biological pollutants like airborne mold spores that can hazardous to your health and breathing Compromise the structural integrity of the building like your walls, ceilings, and floors; and lower the value of your house by causing bathroom fixtures to rust, paint to blister, wall paper to peel, and grout to be moldy. Eliminating harmful chemicals called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that naturally build up in your house from aging, decomposing, and curing building materials, carpets, furniture, and other household items.

So, good ventilation fans can keep the air in your home fresh and well circulated and thus help you take care of your family?s and your home?s well-being.

How to Select a Ventilation Fan

When selecting a fan, the purpose — that is, central or intermittent ventilation — should be your foremost decision-making criteria:

Continuous, central ventilation system are used to to continuously replace stale air with fresh, clean air in the whole house quietly and energy-efficiently. In the summer, in fact, circulating air can keep your house feeling 4 degrees cooler. Intermittent ventilation fans are used in certain areas like the bathroom, kitchen, or garage to quickly exhaust moisture and chemicals. In fact, if you live in an ?airtight? home, ?bathroom? (intermittent) fans are quiet and energy efficient-enough to continuously ventilate your entire home.

Additional Highlights of Fans

There are many brands of ventilation or exhaust fans today that keep the air throughout the house clean such as Panasonic Exhaust Fans. These fans have the following advantages:

Function very quietly Use less than 30 watts (that?s less than what many CFL bulbs use!) Designed for 100,000 hours of continuous use Have little to no defectiveness Energy Star rated Come with multi-year warranty

Why Your Home Needs An Exhaust Fan

Today?s homes are built to be ?airtight? and energy efficient with few drafts. In terms of heating and cooling bills, an airtight home can dramatically lower your heating and air conditioning bills. In terms of air ventilation, however, an airtight home may be dangerous to your health and safety.

Why is an ?Airtight? Home is Dangerous?

Having proper air ventilation goes further than just getting rid of foul odors. In fact, air exhausting is about:

Preventing excess moisture that cause biological pollutants like mold and mildew that: Become harmful biological pollutants like airborne mold spores that can hazardous to your health and breathing Compromise the structural integrity of the building like your walls, ceilings, and floors; and lower the value of your house by causing bathroom fixtures to rust, paint to blister, wall paper to peel, and grout to be moldy. Eliminating harmful chemicals called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that naturally build up in your house from aging, decomposing, and curing building materials, carpets, furniture, and other household items.

So, good ventilation fans can keep the air in your home fresh and well circulated and thus help you take care of your family?s and your home?s well-being.

How to Select a Ventilation Fan

When selecting a fan, the purpose — that is, central or intermittent ventilation — should be your foremost decision-making criteria:

Continuous, central ventilation system are used to to continuously replace stale air with fresh, clean air in the whole house quietly and energy-efficiently. In the summer, in fact, circulating air can keep your house feeling 4 degrees cooler. Intermittent ventilation fans are used in certain areas like the bathroom, kitchen, or garage to quickly exhaust moisture and chemicals. In fact, if you live in an ?airtight? home, ?bathroom? (intermittent) fans are quiet and energy efficient-enough to continuously ventilate your entire home.

Additional Highlights of Fans

There are many brands of ventilation or exhaust fans today that keep the air throughout the house clean such as Panasonic Vent Fans. These fans have the following advantages:

Function very quietly Use less than 30 watts (that?s less than what many CFL bulbs use!) Designed for 100,000 hours of continuous use Have little to no defectiveness Energy Star rated Come with multi-year warranty