Heat Shields: Description

Heat shields are made of stamped/formed steel, or metal foil.

Fig 1: Identifying Exhaust Heat Shield - Typical

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Exhaust heat shields are needed to protect both the vehicle and the environment from the high temperatures developed by the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter releases additional heat into the exhaust system. Under severe operating conditions, the temperature increases in the area of the converter. Such conditions can exist when the engine misfires or otherwise does not operate at peak efficiency.