What can happen if you touch the exhaust manifold?

The exhaust manifold reaches very high temperatures during operation, as it is responsible for directing exhaust gases away from the engine. When the engine is running, or even shortly after it has been turned off, touching the exhaust manifold can lead to severe burns. The metal can become red-hot, and contact can result in immediate skin damage. This risk highlights the importance of letting the engine cool down before attempting to touch any engine components, especially those associated with the exhaust system. Understanding this can help prevent serious injuries and promote safer practices around vehicles.