Your car’s exhaust system is vital to keeping toxic amounts of smoke away from you while you drive. This is why you should pay close attention to its condition. 

A broken exhaust pipe can cause a host of problems like excessive noise. It can also damage other parts of the exhaust system, such as the catalytic converter. When this part breaks, it can release dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, which could cause CO poisoning. That said, it’s important to select the right material when replacing your exhaust pipes.

ALL ABOUT DURABILITY

Your car’s exhaust system is pretty durable and comes with a warranty. If you’re driving a 20-year-old used car however, you might run into some problems replacing it

304 Stainless Steel is the most durable type of metal for exhaust pipes. Its high concentration of chromium makes it resistant to rust; thus, high temperatures won’t be a problem. It’s also sturdy enough to resist breakage in really low temperatures. Aside from being the most durable among other choices, it’s also the best looking, again, thanks to the shiny sheen of chromium.

409-L Stainless Steel is a more affordable alternative to the 304. It’s more durable than most stock exhaust pipes. The 409-L also has chromium mixed in, but it has 8% less than the 304. This means that it’s also more prone to rust than the first option.

Aluminized Steel is the most affordable but also least durable among these three choices. Its rust resistance comes from the aluminum and silicon blend it’s dipped in, which is not as strong as chromium. Scratches that damage the coating can cause the heavy steel inside to corrode.It’s no surprise that the most durable material is also the most expensive. Stainless steel can last at least eight years longer than aluminized steel. It’s much harder to bend and weld, too.

Luckily, there are aftermarket alternatives to your exhaust pipe. And your nearest repair and maintenance center can customize one just for your car using a Baleigh oil bender. Here are your options in terms of durability.

WRAP-UP: IN DEFENSE OF ALUMINIZED STEEL

Aluminized steel might seem like the clear loser in comparison to the other options, but it has its benefits as well. It has the best value if you live in a dry place. Stainless steel’s rust protection only shows its value when it’s snowing, as roads will often contain salt that will corrode most steel pipes.

So if you live somewhere that doesn’t snow or rain as much, install aluminized pipes. You’ll get pipes that will last about 10 years for a fraction of what stainless steel ones cost. And if you have an old car, it’s not really advisable to get an exhaust system that will outlive it.

Sourcing High-Quality Automotive Equipment

High-quality automotive equipment should always be a mechanic’s priority. Here at JMC Automotive, we understand that your tools play a significant role in providing the best service for your customers. We offer a wide variety of automotive equipment like tube and pipe benders, car lifts, air compressors, and more.

For more information about our products, visit jmcautomotiveequipment.com.

CHECK OUT OUR OPTIONS IN HUTH BEN PEARSON & BALEIGH PIPE BENDERS

NAME	PRICE	PIPE BENDER	BRAND
BAILEIGH PIPE BENDER	$75,995.
BAILEIGH PROGRAMMABLE	$15.195.
ULTIMATE TECHNOLOGY HUTH	$11,322.