How to Maintain Your Exhaust System for Long Drives Across Australia

Australia being vast and diverse in its landscapes sets an ideal ambience for cross-country drives! Whether you are cruising the coastal replenishment of the Great Ocean Road, the pseudo-desert feel through the Outback, or walking the hills and valleys of the mountainous Snowy Mountains! Still important, one thing that generally goes unnoticed while wrapping up all of the necessary arrangements is an automobile's exhausting system. Even though you may be thinking about oil changes, tire pressure or fuel consumption, your exhausting system plays an important role in performance, fuel consumption, and your own safety.

Exhaust system maintenance is a must-have for your checklist if you are planning a long-distance drive across Australia. A well-maintained exhaust means that engine is running efficiently, harmful emissions are reduced, and it helps conserve fuel as well. This matters a lot on these long routes where help from roadside assistance may be hours away.

Inspect Regularly, Especially Before Trips

The first and foremost in exhaust upkeep is inspection. A thorough inspection of the entire exhaust system from the headers to the tailpipes should take place, and signs of damage, rust, or loose connections in particular should be looked for. The different weather conditions, terrains and features in Australia can stress your vehicle resulting in corrosion, particularly if you have traveled near the ocean or through mud. When an exhaust system is inspected the only parts noticed are generally ones that have fallen onto the roadway or broken or loose connections from rusty or broken components.

Look for dust or black soot around any joints or flanges that might be leaking. Hangers may be broken, or internal damage to the muffler or catalytic converter might be going on if there is a rattle or any weird noise coming from an area under the car.

Watch for Performance Issues

Usually, your car will get subtle hints if something is wrong with the exhaust. Sudden drop in fuel economy, power to the engine being reduced, changes in the usual background sound of the engine, and so on could be linked to an exhaust problem. This becomes more important when driving long distances because the stress on the engine increases due to longer operating periods.

Any sluggish behavior under acceleration or fumes smell inside the cabin is a red flag. Never ignore the check engine light. Most of the time, it is related to the oxygen sensors or catalytic converter, the main parts of the exhaust system.

Clean and Protect Against Corrosion

Maybe cleaning an exhaust system never crosses your mind, but doing so draws life out of it. Rinse the undercarriage of the vehicle when passed through muddy or salty places. This prevents build-up from corrosion. Alternatively, a spray for inhibiting corrosion can be applied, giving extra protection.

Use High-Quality Replacement Parts

Exhausts are not all equal. When spare exhaust system parts are due for replacement, investing on the best-grade material can keep the good performance and durability, especially for those who travel extensively across Australia’s rugged terrains.

Among the options for stainless steel exhausts, the material ensures a fine balance from strength to corrosion resistance to affordability. Compared to aluminized steel, 409 stainless steel will not rust when facing severe conditions and hence becomes suitable for vehicles that cover thousands of kilometers on the roads per annum.

Rely on Trusted Experts for Exhaust Upgrades

If your itinerary includes an upgrade or you need a solution that will endure long-distance travel, look into the performance exhaust designed especially for Australian conditions.  A robust system not only boosts power and torque but also ensures longer life even under punishing use.

That is where Outback Exhaust comes into the picture. Among the most trusted names in Australia for high-performance 4x4 and ute exhaust systems, Outback specializes in designing products for the toughest of environments. Our range of 409 stainless steel exhaust systems is especially favoured for long-haul adventurers, promising dependability with the utmost performance and resistance to adverse elements.

Outback Exhausts ensures your ride is ready for any adventure, be it bitumen or bush, by providing custom-built exhaust kits for popular Australian vehicles. For ultimate peace of mind on your next road journey, take it up a notch, and boost the performance and durability of your vehicle with an exhaust system Made in Australia.