Your car, truck, or SUV’s exhaust system treats vehicle exhaust to reduce its danger to you and the environment. Most people don’t think about the exhaust system until they have trouble with it. Common symptoms alert drivers to exhaust system problems, and Integrity Auto Repair lists them below. Here are the six primary signs of exhaust system trouble.
Loud Noise
The muffler is part of a vehicle’s exhaust system and the number one sign of muffler trouble is noise. If the muffler has a hole in it, you’ll be able to hear your engine and so will your neighbors halfway down the street. Hissing or tapping sounds indicate a possible problem with the exhaust manifold gasket.
Sluggish Acceleration
If your car, truck, or SUV resists acceleration from a dead stop or when you increase speed, or if you notice you lose power at higher speeds, you might have a leak somewhere in your exhaust system. Power and acceleration problems are also indicators of trouble with the fuel pump or spark plugs.
Gas Guzzling
Your vehicle uses more gasoline if the engine is not running efficiently. For example, if you have an exhaust leak and your vehicle struggles to maintain power, it’s going to burn more gas than it normally does. You might have an exhaust problem if your car, truck, or SUV is turning into a gas guzzler.
Hot Engine Smell
Usually, if your engine smells as if it’s burning and the problem stems from the exhaust system, it means your exhaust manifold gasket is leaking. The exhaust manifold gasket holds in hot gases created by engine exhaust. If it’s leaking, you will smell a burning odor coming from your vehicle’s engine.
Damaged Tailpipe
Your tailpipe is part of your vehicle’s exhaust system and it can be damaged easily. If you go over a bump or pothole too fast, if you’re in an automobile accident, or if you drive like a maniac, any of these things can bend, dent, or put a hole in your tailpipe. A low-hanging tailpipe is also a problem.
Gasoline Smell
This sign of exhaust trouble is dangerous for you and your passengers. The exhaust system is charged with removing the exhaust from the engine, treating it, and then releasing it into the atmosphere. You should never smell gas inside your car. If you do, you could be inhaling carbon monoxide fumes.
Located in Eugene, OR, we here at Integrity Auto Repair would be happy to inspect your vehicle’s exhaust system. Call us today to set up an appointment.
