An exhaust is a series of pipes that links the engine to a silencer and a catalytic converter. The four main functions of the exhaust system being: to control noise, to direct exhaust fumes away from passengers, to improve the performance of the engine and to improve fuel consumption.

The tailpipe is the part of the exhaust that you can see extending from the back of the car. The silencer joins onto the tailpipe - then a series of further pipes joins the silencer to the catalytic converter and then the engine.

Exhausts can corrode from both the inside and outside so it is vital that you keep an eye on the performance of your exhaust components. How long your exhaust lasts for depends on how far and how often you drive your car rather than the length of time it has been fitted. Vehicles used for short trips around town tend to corrode their exhausts in a much shorter time and distance than cars used predominately for long journeys. If you're exhaust is corroded or contains holes it will fail its MOT.