Most people are unaware of how crucial your exhaust system is to your vehicle’s overall health and performance. Exhaust diverts dangerous gases and poisons away from the engine before burning them off, resulting in safer and cleaner emissions. However, if your exhaust system isn’t working correctly, it can cause severe engine damage and carbon monoxide buildup inside the vehicle, which can be fatal for you and your passengers.
So, what happens if something goes wrong with the vehicle’s exhaust system? It does not happen very often. However, if it does occur, it is essential to know how to recognize the issue. Here are some warning indicators of exhaust problems to look out for:
1. Engine Light
The car’s check engine light might illuminate for a variety of reasons, including a faulty exhaust. When your check engine light illuminates, it’s a good idea to get your car examined and inspected by a professional mechanic.
2. Noisy Engine
If your engine is unusually noisy, this is one of the first signs of an exhaust problem. For example, a faulty exhaust manifold gasket will cause an exhaust leak that sounds like hissing or tapping. The sound is most prominent after a cold start or when the vehicle is accelerated.
3. Reduction in Fuel Efficiency
When your vehicle’s power and acceleration decrease, so does its fuel efficiency. Your automobile will have to work more and consume more gasoline to perform as well as it does without an exhaust problem. You may assume that replacing or fixing your exhaust is costly, but if you don’t, you’ll end up spending significantly more money on fuel.
4. Burning Odor from Engine
If your gasket fails and begins to leak near any engine wiring or plastic items beneath the hood, the heat from the exhaust gases could cause these pieces to burn. The burning parts then emit a burning odor, much like a burning engine. It can also produce a small bit of smoke; nevertheless, you should not wait until you see smoke to have it checked out. If you feel any burning or see any smoke, have your automobile checked immediately to avoid endangering yourself or your passengers.
5. Decreased Power and Acceleration
If you have an exhaust problem, it will start to damage your engine’s performance. You won’t be able to accelerate as well or as quickly, and you won’t obtain the same power when you do accelerate. If you don’t fix the exhaust leak, the situation will just become worse.
6. Gas Smell
When you begin to smell gas inside your car while driving, this could be an indication that you have an exhaust problem. The most common reason is when one of the exhaust pipes or tubes becomes damaged and begins to leak. The fuel vapors escape through any available aperture when this occurs. This place is sometimes found in the cabin of your car.
These are just a few signs that your car’s exhaust system isn’t working properly. If you have any concerns about your vehicle or notice any of these symptoms, take it to the dealer for maintenance or replacement.
The exhaust is a robust system with pieces that complement each other and function relatively well. However, when it fails, it fails spectacularly. Thus, with regular maintenance, your car’s exhaust system will serve you and your machine well. Just make sure to schedule a professional inspection of your vehicle’s exhaust system as needed.
