Regular maintenance of an exhaust system is often overlooked because the only part that can be easily seen is the tailpipe at the back of the vehicle. Unless you have added an after-market muffler to your vehicle, as part of the exhaust system, it should be working quietly in the background while you’re driving down the street.
If you’re wondering how do you know if your exhaust system is bad, listen for a noisy muffler. This is a tell-tale sign that there could be hidden problems taking place in the exhaust system. For example, your vehicle may start lacking the power to accelerate or the “check engine” light may start flashing.
Watch and listen for these warning signs of problems in the exhaust system:
- Unusual sounds – Thumping, clunking, or rattling noises coming from the tailpipe can mean the muffler is damaged and leaking exhaust.
- Holes in the muffler – Rust or debris in the road can cause holes in the muffler.
- Overheating engine – This can be caused by blocked lines in the exhaust, resulting in your engine overheating and loss of power when you try to accelerate.
- Lowered fuel economy – Exhaust leaks affect the oxygen sensors in the engine as they are unable to accurately assess how much exhaust is actually in the system.
- Obnoxious odors – Exhaust gases and toxic fumes enter the passenger cabin.
A word of advice: If you notice any of the problems above, don’t wait until your car is unsafe to drive, but head to your auto shop as soon as possible for an inspection of the exhaust system.
Have more questions about how do you know if your exhaust system is bad? Contact our ASE-certified technicians at Rebel Automotive for more information about the components of the exhaust system, including the muffler, and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.
Regular maintenance of an exhaust system is often overlooked because the only part that can be easily seen is the tailpipe at the back of the vehicle. Unless you have added an after-market muffler to your vehicle, as part of the exhaust system, it should be working quietly in the background while you’re driving down the street.
If you’re wondering how do you know if your exhaust system is bad, listen for a noisy muffler. This is a tell-tale sign that there could be hidden problems taking place in the exhaust system. For example, your vehicle may start lacking the power to accelerate or the “check engine” light may start flashing.
Watch and listen for these warning signs of problems in the exhaust system:
- Unusual sounds – Thumping, clunking, or rattling noises coming from the tailpipe can mean the muffler is damaged and leaking exhaust.
- Holes in the muffler – Rust or debris in the road can cause holes in the muffler.
- Overheating engine – This can be caused by blocked lines in the exhaust, resulting in your engine overheating and loss of power when you try to accelerate.
- Lowered fuel economy – Exhaust leaks affect the oxygen sensors in the engine as they are unable to accurately assess how much exhaust is actually in the system.
- Obnoxious odors – Exhaust gases and toxic fumes enter the passenger cabin.
A word of advice: If you notice any of the problems above, don’t wait until your car is unsafe to drive, but head to your auto shop as soon as possible for an inspection of the exhaust system.
Have more questions about how do you know if your exhaust system is bad? Contact our ASE-certified technicians at Rebel Automotive for more information about the components of the exhaust system, including the muffler, and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.
