Your car is an intricate machine made out of different parts that are carefully and thoughtfully placed in their right position by experienced engineers. Similar to how every part of the body is necessary, each car part also has a function that assists in having a smooth & safe ride. Today, we will be discussing one such part known as the exhaust system. 

So, what exactly is the job of the exhaust system?

They play an important role in keeping the air in the cabin and the atmosphere as clean as possible. The hazardous fumes that pass through the engine compartment can easily find its way into the car and harm you. The exhaust system is installed to redirect the gasses from inside the engine, to outside the car, while converting them into less harmful emissions. 

The harmful fumes may not only poison the people inside the car but also tamper with the functioning of the car and reduce fuel efficiency, engine work, etc. Exhaust gas typically flows through the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, resonator and finally the muffler, which connects to the tailpipe. To keep the entire process uninterrupted, it is important to recognize the signs of car exhaust repair or failure. 

Here are the signs of car exhaust repair: 

Fuel Efficiency

As a car owner, you know how important fuel efficiency is. Anything that decreases it needs to be handled as soon as possible. 

If you are visiting the gas station more than usual, it could be because of a possible exhaust leak. Exhaust leaks lead to a false reading on the oxygen sensor located near the system. This high level of oxygen reading leads to additional fuel burning and therefore, a drop in your mileage. 

An exhaust leak is also indicative of harmful gases that are not being emitted outside the car system. These gases raise the temperature of the engine and therefore promote more fuel burning. If you notice your MPG falling without any reason, it is time to book a car inspection service and fix the leak issue urgently. You don’t want the harmful gases to find a way into the cabin. 

Vibrations

If you notice a vibration on the gas pedal, steering wheel, or car seat, it is likely due to an issue in the exhaust system. One reason why you’re experiencing the vibrations is because of a rusty exhaust pipe. This problem is more evidently found in vehicles that take a lot of short trips. Since the distance does not make the muffler and pipe hot enough to evaporate the collected water, the condensation sits there and rusts the system. 

Another reason for the vibration can be attributed to the exhaust leaks. In both cases, you must find the source of the problem and fix it before it comes back in the form of a heavy car exhaust repair.

Engine Noise

Engine Noise can be attributed to a number of issues, but the common issue is usually with the exhaust system of your vehicle. If you have recently noticed that your engine has increased the decibels considerably, it might be time to get an exhaust check-up in your local garage. 

The engine noise is attributed to the exhaust leak. A loud rumbling sound coming from the engine that rises and falls with the vehicle’s RPMs is a telltale sign of an exhaust leak. Most likely, the leak is in the exhaust manifold, and anywhere there are joints along with the exhaust system. This may also allow the harmful gases to penetrate the safe cabin and put you at a health risk. 

Rattling Noise

Any kind of foreign noise coming from your vehicle is a sign of concern. We have already discussed rattling noise and how it could be associated with the exhaust system. But a rattling noise coming from the exhaust area is also indicative of a problem. 

If you hear a constant rattling sound when the engine is running, it could be because of a faulty or loose catalytic converter. Catalytic converter falls in the expensive parts of the exhaust system, and it would be better to have the car exhaust repaired or replaced quickly.

Hissing/Popping Noise

While we are on the topic of noise, here’s another way to detect any fault in the exhaust. If you experience hissing or popping noise while the engine is running, it may be due to a restriction in the exhaust system and unusually high back pressure. This sign can be confirmed if you notice discolouration or burned paint next to the exhaust ports on the cylinder head or burned spark plug wires or boots.

Keep your ears open to ensure you detect the problem early on and avoid hefty costs later!

Burning Smell

A burning smell is never a good sign, especially when it comes from your automobile. Here’s why your exhaust failure can cause a burning smell.

If the gasket fails and starts leaking anywhere near the engine wiring or part, chances are the heat from the exhaust gases can cause the parts to burn as they are made of plastic. When the smell reaches your cabin, it may seem like the engine is burning, and you may also encounter some smoke. Make sure you don’t wait for the smoke but immediately switch off the car and empty it. Ensure that you go through car exhaust repair before driving again.

Performance Issue

If you have a problem with the exhaust system, it is sure to be reflected in the performance of the engine. Usually, it is due to an issue in the catalytic converter, which leads to a performance issue on startup. You will notice a decrease in the accelerating power and won’t be able to do it as quickly as before. The performance issue can also be due to an exhaust leak, and the more you delay it, the more the problem will worsen. Start with the car exhaust repair as soon as possible. 

Gas Smell

If you start smelling gas inside the car, it is clearly indicative of an exhaust problem. When one of the exhaust pipes or tubes are damaged and start to leak, the fumes from the gas escape through any place they can. And more often than not, they find their way into the cabin of the car. 

Engine Light

The blinking engine light never means good news! Whenever the check engine light comes on, it is better to drive to the repair shop and have it checked before making any assumption. Ignoring your engine light is not a good habit, and many things can trigger it while you don’t know how urgent or dangerous they are. Any issue in the exhaust system will also turn on the check engine light, so it is always better to have a technician inspect the vehicle. 

Visual Check

The easiest way to check for an issue is to take a look at the exhaust pipe. If the pipe is heavily rusted, it would do you good to clean them. In case you come across a hole or a split in the exhaust or pipe, it is time to take the vehicle to a garage. Remember, ignoring the problem only amplifies it.

This brings us to the end of the several signs that indicate you need a car exhaust repair. I hope this was helpful, and you were able to understand the source of the problem. In case of any doubt or question, feel free to drop a comment below. For more such informative articles, keep watching this space!