Is Upgrading Your Truck's Exhaust System Worth The Money?

If you've recently upgraded from an older truck to a late-model truck, you're likely amazed at the technological advances that have helped solve some of the most historically irritating aspects of truck ownership -- rough suspension, excessively noisy windows, and poor fuel efficiency. Indeed, today's trucks are designed to be just as efficient and comfortable as luxury autos or sport utility vehicles (SUVs). With these high-tech features, you may feel your truck is perfect as-is and needs nothing further. However, upgrading your truck's exhaust system to increase its performance could have some hidden benefits. Read on to learn about some of the modifications available as well as the factors you can use to determine whether an upgraded exhaust system is worth the money. 

What types of high-performance modifications are available for your truck?

Due to federal emissions standards that set strict limits on the amount of carbon combustion byproducts a specific vehicle is able to emit, most factory exhaust systems require your truck's engine to force air through a thin series of exhaust hoses where this air can be filtered before entering the environment. The extra work this requires can tax your engine, decreasing fuel efficiency and hindering performance at high speeds.

There are a number of aftermarket mufflers and modifications that significantly open up the space allotted to your truck's exhaust, performing the same air filtration methods without straining the engine or compromising performance. After installing one of these systems, you'll notice your truck's engine is much more responsive at high RPMs -- and your fuel economy will likely improve even as you're testing your truck's improved acceleration.

Can you justify the cost to upgrade your truck's exhaust system?

In some cases, upgrading a truck's factory exhaust system to an aftermarket performance exhaust system is a no-brainer, particularly if the factory settings don't permit the truck's engine to operate at full capacity. Paying a premium for a larger engine and then handicapping it with an underpowered exhaust system often doesn't make financial sense. However, most of the time this is a tougher decision that can rest on several factors.

  • Will the increase in fuel economy offset the initial investment?

If you'll be able to improve your fuel economy by a sizable enough percentage to help cover the cost of your aftermarket exhaust system within a year or two, it can often make financial sense to invest in a new exhaust system that will help each tank stretch farther.

  • Do you need to improve response time?

If your regular driving route requires quick acceleration and you're concerned about your truck's ability to quickly get up to speed under pressure, an aftermarket exhaust system could help allay these worries. For those who live in populated areas or drive only at low speeds, an aftermarket exhaust system may be less of a need.

To learn more, contact a company like Quality Discount Mufflers

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