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Exhaust Resonator: Functions and Purposes

ByMatsumoto Naoki-January 05, 2021

Do you consider the exhaust resonator as a significant part of the exhaust system of a motor vehicle? Well, a resonator bears utmost importance in reducing the noise that a car engine produces. Therefore, the resonator is not something you can ignore and exclude from the car maintenance schedule.

What Does an Exhaust Resonator Do?

Vehicles that have internal combustion engines make a lot of noise when running. Besides being annoying, the noise can be exhausting and unbearable if you hear it for a very long time.

However, every exhaust system has a component named muffler, which reduces the noise. Meanwhile, the car exhaust resonator decreases the noise level further by making sound waves that actively cancel those noises.

When the engine powers your car, it creates plenty of noises. Resonators work as the modulator of the sound. It changes the sound in a way that the muffler can effortlessly mute it more. It functions as an echo chamber that changes the exhaust sounds of the engine.

The resonator muffles sounds from the engine. (Source: AndrzejRembowski / PixaBay)

Exhaust Resonator Purpose Explained

A resonator’s prime function is to change the engine noise before the muffler performs the final decibel reduction. However, it does have some other purposes to serve, including the following ones:

Passing the Exhaust Gas

At the time of exiting the combustion chamber, exhaust gases rebound and create sounds in both high and low pitches. It makes the exhaust gas pulses work together, so the exhaust waves can vacuum the gas out rapidly.

The combustion engines of modern time also make use of sound waves to evacuate the combustion chamber and, at the same time, move the exhaust down through the pipes and out of the muffler. The last task requires a resonator.

Controlling Noise Volume

Besides doing the above tasks, the resonator also controls the sound volume of the car engine. As it manipulates the exhaust sound waves frequency, it allows the car to either have a louder tone or a comparatively silent noise for peaceful driving.

Aiding Exhaust Evacuating Process

A resonator also assists with a smooth exhaust evacuating process. As a result, the car engine can produce more power and, at the same time, reduce fuel consumption by the vehicle.

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Is It Necessary to Have an Exhaust Resonator for the Car?

The answer to this question is yes. It keeps the noise coming from the exhaust system of a car in control. As a result, the sound does not seem too loud or obnoxious.

Although the car will work just fine even without a resonator, there is a high chance of getting a check engine light or other issues. The vehicle may also end up failing the annual emissions inspection if the resonator is missing from the exhaust system.

Conclusion

If you want to keep the car engine noise in control, an exhaust resonator is a compulsory part of the car. Considering the number of benefits it has to offer, always make sure to have a good quality resonator for the vehicle.

Matsumoto Naoki is senior car blogger at Car From Japan. Having background in mechanical engineering, he has a unique perspective on a lot of new car innovations. Prior to Car From Japan, Matsumoto was Mechanical Design Engineer at Yajima Plant, Subaru Corporation. His articles provide detailed DIY instructions and how-tos to help you get your new car on the road. If you want to save money and feel more confident when working on your cars, you should not ignore Matsumoto’s sharing posts. He presents driving tips and tricks for everyone through easy-following steps and mechanically but friendly writing.

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