Your automobile cannot run without an exhaust system. A combustion engine creates exhaust that must be drawn out of the chamber so that fresh air and fuel can continue the engine’s combustion. If your exhaust system gets clogged or leaks, this will directly affect your automobile’s performance and how it sounds. Kurth’s Auto Repair lists the signs of a clogged or leaking exhaust system below
Burning Odors
Burning odors coming from the engine bay suggest that your exhaust manifold is leaking. As the exhaust leaks out of the manifold, it is so hot that it can literally melt plastic engine parts. It can also melt away the electrical wiring insulation. If you smell hot plastic or wires coming from your engine bay, you likely have a leaking exhaust manifold.
Fuel Odors
A clogged exhaust system will send diesel fuel or gasoline odors into the passenger cabin. You don’t need us to tell you that it is dangerous to continue to drive your automobile if you can smell fuel. You are inhaling carbon monoxide and you can become poisoned by it. Do not drive your car, truck, or utility vehicle if you have fuel odors coming into the cabin.
Poor Gas Mileage
A clogged exhaust system will also affect your gas mileage because it affects how efficiently your engine runs. Naturally, an inefficient engine will have poor gas mileage. What is going on is the combustion chamber is not being cleared away of the exhaust and, as a consequence, the engine cannot efficiently burn fresh air and fuel.
Power Lag
This will also cause your power to lag. You will notice that your engine stutters when you accelerate and also as you are driving along. This definitely suggests that there is a problem in the exhaust system that is preventing engine combustion from operating as it should be.
Too Much Noise
Your exhaust system can also be leaking if you hear too much engine noise. Aside from the noise caused by a leaking exhaust manifold, if you have a hole in your muffler, you will hear your engine noise at a much louder volume.
Visible Damage
Finally, you can see exhaust system trouble if you have a hanging tailpipe or a hole in the tailpipe. It’s a good idea to inspect your tailpipe regularly to make sure that there is nothing wrong with it. This exhaust system part is easily damaged if you go over bumps too quickly.
Call Kurth’s Auto Repair in New Hope, MN, today to schedule a service appointment for your exhaust system.
