Is the End of a Car's Exhaust Pipe Hot?
2 Answers
The end of a car's exhaust pipe is hot but generally below 80 degrees Celsius. Here are the relevant details: 1. Front section of the exhaust pipe: The temperature ranges between 350-400 degrees Celsius, which is beneficial for the operation of the catalytic converter. The longer the exhaust pipe, the lower the temperature at the tail end. Additionally, higher engine speeds result in higher exhaust gas temperatures. When the vehicle is idling, the outlet temperature is only around 30 to 50 degrees. 2. Outlet temperature: The temperature at the outlet of the final tailpipe varies depending on the vehicle model, the length of the exhaust pipe, and the number of mufflers. Generally, for small family cars, the exhaust pipe temperature ranges between 30-120 degrees Celsius. Some modified cars with exhaust pipes that can emit flames may have outlet temperatures reaching several hundred degrees.
I've been driving family cars for many years, and the rear part of the exhaust pipe does get extremely hot, especially after long-distance driving. I remember once when I came back from an outing, I accidentally brushed my arm against the tailpipe while getting out of the car, and my skin turned red instantly, hurting for quite a while. This happens because the high-temperature gases emitted by the engine flow through the entire exhaust pipe, and even when they exit at the tail end, the temperature remains very high—possibly exceeding 70 degrees Celsius, or even over 100 degrees. After parking, especially in summer or after high-speed driving, the tailpipe area noticeably radiates intense heat. Every time I park, I remind my family and kids not to play near the rear to avoid accidental burns. I also recommend that car owners check the exhaust pipe for rust or damage during routine maintenance, as cracks or leaks could be even more dangerous, affecting driving safety. This might sound minor, but it involves everyday hazards, and I never joke about ignoring them. I always wait a few minutes for it to cool down before handling anything nearby.
