What Is The Exhaust Resonator?
Resonators are a part of the exhaust system used to change the sound. A muffler is used to reduce noise and emissions. A resonator is used to improve the sound of exhausts, including the volume and the removal of annoying high-pitched sounds.
Exhaust resonators usually are placed at the end of exhaust systems, between the connecting pipe to the muffler, and the tailpipe. These resonators are a way to control and reduce exhaust noise before the gases are released from the system.
How do resonators function? They are a series passages which help eliminate vibrations and control the volume and sound of the exhaust. Together with the muffler, they dampen the sound to allow your car to produce maximum power while not being too loud.
Can An Exhaust Resonator Affect Car Performance?
There’s no need to worry about this question, even though it is a common one. An exhaust resonator does not cause engine performance problems. Resonators are fitted to a large number of car models as standard in order to control the sound and volume of exhaust. This should convince you that this component is worth investing in.
If your exhaust resonator is malfunctioning, it could affect performance. The symptoms of a bad exhaust resonator include:
- Odors that are unusual
- Loud engine noise
- Stalls are increasing
- Poor fuel economy
- Check engine light
It may be time to have your exhaust system checked if you notice any of these signs. It’s not necessary that the resonator be the only culprit. Other exhaust components, such as the catalytic convertor and muffler, can also cause similar symptoms.
How Can You Tell if Your Car Has an Exhaust Resonator?
There are several ways you can find out if there is an exhaust resonator in your vehicle.
Visual Inspection
First, and by far the most practical way to do this is to look under your vehicle. You should be able see if your car has this component easily, as resonators tend to be located at the end of exhaust assemblies. What are you looking for?
Exhaust resonators look like a medium-sized exhaust box. They are smaller than mufflers, but larger than the pipes going in and out. The exhaust resonators are usually round in shape with a wide cylinder that contains perforated tubes to dampen vibrations.
Resonators are installed after the exhaust muffler, and before the tailpipe. If you see a larger component of the exhaust in this area, then it is safe to assume that your vehicle has one.
Your Owner’s Manual
You can check the owner’s guide if you don’t want to crawl under your vehicle or lift it up. The owner’s manual should give you a comprehensive overview of all the components fitted to your car, along with a map of their location. Haynes Manuals are the next best option if this is not true for your vehicle.
Forums And Car Clubs
It’s a fact that most people Google their car questions rather than consult the manual. So, don’t hesitate to search forums and car clubs in order to find model-specific information on resonators. It’s also a good way to compare symptoms with other owners so you have a better idea of what might be wrong with your vehicle.
Is It Illegal To Remove An Exhaust Resonator In Uk?
In the UK it is legal to remove your exhaust resonator, as long as this does not cause an increase in engine volume.
The sound of a standard vehicle in the UK must not exceed 80dB. If you exceed this limit, your vehicle may be impounded until the exhaust system has been corrected. You will also receive a PS50 penalty.
Remember that the public can report loud exhausts anonymously. So, you don’t have to be concerned if you’re driving near a police vehicle.
Many drivers have no problem removing or changing their exhaust resonator. This can give your car an even sportier sound or make it quieter.
