During an exhaust inspection, which of the following components should be examined?

Examining the muffler, exhaust manifold gasket, catalytic converter, and oxygen sensor during an exhaust inspection is essential because these components directly impact the vehicle's emission control system and overall exhaust performance. The muffler silences the noise produced by the engine's exhaust, while the exhaust manifold gasket seals the connection between the engine and exhaust system, preventing leaks that could lead to harmful emissions.

The catalytic converter is a critical device that reduces harmful pollutants in the exhaust gases by converting them into less harmful substances before they are emitted into the atmosphere. The oxygen sensor plays a vital role by monitoring the oxygen levels in the exhaust gases, providing feedback to the engine control unit to optimize fuel efficiency and ensure proper combustion.

By focusing on these components during an exhaust inspection, mechanics can identify potential issues that could lead to increased emissions, reduced fuel efficiency, or engine performance problems, thereby ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and maintaining vehicle reliability. Other answer choices contain components important for different systems but are not specifically relevant to exhaust system inspections.