I have a '98 Civic EX with 51,000 miles and have replaced the muffler twice, the center pipe three times, and the heat shield has fallen off. I only drive it a few miles most days, and live in Vermont. Is there any way to stop this from happening again??? Will a stainless steel center pipe and muffler withstand the weather better?

 

stainless >>>> mild. especially in the northeast.

 

where I live they dont throw pure salt on the roads since its so expensive, they use beach sand. I recommend you use a high pressure washer on the undercarriage of your car after driving in snowfall.

 

dont drive in snow. take the bus.

 

The exhaust is not "heating up" enough during your short commute. Condensation inside the exhaust combined with the salt/winter grime is most likely causing your accelerated wear.

Any way to lengthen your drive? ie stop for coffee/breakfast, run some errands, anything to allow the pipes to heat up and burn off extra moisture.

Good luck!

ps I agree that stainless will hold up much better