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EXHAUST SYSTEMS AT A GLANCE

Exhausts Changed: Emission Laws

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Exhausts Changed

Exhausts Changed

 Exhausts systems also cost much more than 10 years ago

I can honestly say that I have lived during the most radical changes ever made to cars, due to the new rules about “global warming” and emissions from cars. Back in time, when we had Vauxhall Vivas Cavaliers, Chrysler Horizons, old type Minis, and Ford Cortinas, life in the garage was much easier and certainly more stable.

The exhaust systems on those cars would stay the same year after year. So much so that we could order hundreds of systems at a time and keep a large stock that we always sold. In fact, we could order exhaust systems by the container load, and they would all be sold, (happy days).

Then the computer came along .

Exhausts Changed

Car manufacturers could very quickly change car models, they became very flexible, changing parts on different models at will.

This included systems. We were finding that Exhausts.  Like other parts, they would be left on the shelf unsold. Hence, we were becoming very reluctant to keep exhaust systems on the shelves. Without, getting stuck with them. Consequently, at this time, exhaust wholesalers began to spring up. As a result, and in a short period of time,. We decided not to keep any exhaust stock at all. So, leave it to the wholesalers. In fact. The last stock that we kept was from Bosal Exhausts. Probably, (the best exhausts in the world, and that was in the late nineties.

The next thing to affect exhausts were vehicle emissions controls.

Exhausts Changed

The British government introduced these. Thus, cars had to be fitted with “catalytic converters,” as we know them. Therefore, they are fitted between the car’s engine and the exhaust pipe system. The gas from the engine is filtered through the catalytic converter. into a very fine filter system. made from ceramics to withstand the high temperature. The cat also has some precious metals to help filter out the particulates. (This is why cats are so expensive.)

Some car models have a direct engine fit. Thus, the engine sends out waste gases. that are filtered by the cat. As a result, the cleaner gases pass through the rest of the system. The exhaust change boxes are made of fibreglass material. Naturally, that has an extra filter effect but will also muffle the sound that the gases make when leaving the engine. We all know how noisy a car is when the exhaust breaks.

Exhausts systems are better made these days

Some cars have two or even three boxes, depending on the size of the engine and the car. Here in the UK, we do not change the exhaust until it actually breaks, and then we have it replaced, and in my opinion, this is the best thing to do. Even the worst-looking rusty old car exhausts can last for years, and it is no use changing your exhaust just because it looks rusty and old; replace it when it breaks, unless it fails the MOT test. The main part to fail on the test will be the cat; if it fails the test, the cat will need replacing.

Foreword: now to 2024.

catalytic converter thefts on the increase.

Exhausts Changed

Catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise in recent years, particularly in urban areas. The value of the precious metals found in catalytic converters, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, frequently serves as a driving force behind these thefts. The thefts have caused problems for car owners, as the cost to replace a stolen catalytic converter can be quite high. Some police departments and insurance companies have started to track catalytic converter thefts and are working to find ways to prevent them.

Peugeot Exhaust MOT Fail

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Peugeot Exhaust MOT Fail

Peugeot Exhaust MOT Fail
Old broken exhaust system

Peugeot Exhaust MOT Fail

With many pupils back at school, then we have had a rush of parents bringing in their broken cars for repairs. This particular Peugeot was in to us for a belated MOT test. Unfortunately for the owner, the car failed the test because of a broken exhaust bracket. So it turned out that the bracket was part of the whole exhaust system and had to be replaced.

We quoted the customer for the job done, and he gave us the go-ahead. The car was repaired, and a new system was fitted. The owner came to collect the car and was unsurprisingly happy. Apparently he knew about the exhaust and had it priced at another well-known fast-fit centre. He told us we had saved him £200 on the price of a full system. This is the sort of thing that we see very often Indeed, I have done some ring rounds to my competition and found massive differences in the pricing of things.

We do what we think to add on a correct margin, to make sure we are not too cheap. These large national companies overcharge some car owners, but they seem foolish enough to pay these silly prices.

Peugeot Exhaust MOT Fail
New system ready to fit

Here is my take on this ! Peugeot Exhaust MOT Fail

Why Do Some Drivers Feel Content to Pay More Than Supposed for Auto Repairs?

Or Is It Something Else? Is It Snobbery?

As the owner of a garage in Halifax (Pellon Autocentre), I’ve encountered a wide range of customers and heard a wide range of tales. However, one thing that always baffles me is why some drivers appear almost happy to pay exorbitant prices at some of the major national fast-fit shops for auto repairs.

You are aware of the establishments that have a national presence, slick marketing, and shiny flooring. Furthermore, it’s not always a few additional pounds; occasionally, we’re talking about astronomically exorbitant expenses that leave you wondering if the new tyres have gold plating on them.

It’s one thing to be unprepared for a repair cost. But it’s quite another to subsequently boast about it at the bar in your local pub. What is happening here, then? Is it just snobbery? Or is there another factor in action?

The National Chains’ Allure- Peugeot Exhaust MOT Fail

First, let’s discuss why individuals visit these locations in the first place. A few factors that can make the large national chains desirable are as follows:

1.  Convenience: You can stop by one while out shopping or on your way to work because they are everywhere.

2. Brand Recognition: Having invested heavily in advertising, these corporations are the first that spring to mind when your car starts producing an odd noise.

3. Perceived Trustworthiness: Many drivers believe they have a higher chance of receiving decent service at a national chain because these brands are “trusted,” and there is a perception that bigger is better.

4. Promises and Assures: Nationwide warranties are a common feature of these networks, and they may be very persuasive. You may get it mended at any of their locations if something goes wrong.

But do these explanations suffice to support the increased costs? It appears that way for some people, and then some others.

The Snobbish Elements

Let’s face it: for many people, cars represent status. Additionally, some drivers are ready to pay extra for the status that comes with luxury, much like they would for expensive clothing or high-tech accessories. It’s the equivalent of ordering the priciest bottle of wine at supper to brag about in a car.

You know, after shelling out a small fortune for an ultra-luxury car, you naturally anticipate everything related to it, including upkeep and repairs, as well as tyres, to be extremely expensive. It seems as though spending more approves of the car’s value and, consequently, the prestige of the owner.

People have been known to brag about the price of their tyres as though it were a badge of honour in bars. They’ll grin smugly and add, “Oh, my tyres cost £300 each,” as if that’s something to be proud of.

But is this merely a case of elitism, or is there another factor at play? Peugeot Exhaust MOT Fail

Financial peace of mind or peace of mind?

Paying a higher price can bring peace of mind to certain drivers. Even if it’s not always the case, people think that by spending more money at a well-known chain, they’re obtaining better quality components and service. Fear plays a part; nobody wants to be stuck on the motorway with a flat tyre or a malfunctioning brake system, so they will do everything it takes to stay out of that situation. In this way, the exorbitant costs resemble insurance, although extremely costly insurance.

Some people may just be too busy or ignorant to compare prices. They lack the motivation or the time to shop around for a better deal or find an independent garage. For them, a national chain’s perceived dependability and ease of use exceed its price.

The Influence of Advertising

Here, too, we must not undervalue the importance of marketing. These national chains are experts at giving the impression that you’re receiving something unique when, in reality, you’re not. The waiting area’s coffee, the uniforms, and the overall professional aspect of the establishment all contribute to the impression that you are paying for a premium service. The car equivalent of paying £5 for a cup of coffee at a fancy café is this one, where the barista knows your name and correctly spells it on the cup.

A Reality Check– Peugeot Exhaust MOT Fail

The problem is that you may not always get more just because you are paying more. You frequently pay for the brand rather than the service. For a small fraction of the cost, independent garages like mine can frequently offer the same (or better) quality service. While we may not have the glitzy advertisements or the expensive coffee makers, we do have years of knowledge, a love for what we do, and a dedication to provide our clients with the best value for their money.

So what motivates some drivers to boast about their costly repairs—snobbery? Perhaps for certain people. However, for some people, it’s a blend of ease of use, mental clarity, and the allure of a well-known brand. Ultimately, though, it’s important to consider if you’re paying for the service you genuinely require or merely for the ability to claim you’ve spent more.

Remind someone that sometimes less is more

Especially when it comes to your pocketbook, the next time you hear someone boasting about how much they spent on their tyres. They also know where to contact me if they ever need a high-quality repair at a reasonable price in Halifax. So its always going to be a mystery to me! Why do some drivers pay over the odds for parts and service? Thankfully, we at Pellon Autocentre are busy all the time, so we must be doing something right.