Your exhaust system is quite extensive and is essential to the running of your vehicle. If your exhaust system isn’t running as it should it will affect your car’s performance and this means higher fuel costs.

Muffled Sounds

Usually, the first part of your exhaust system to show wear and tear will be the muffler. This is because it is the furthest part of the exhaust from the engine and remains colder than the rest. This then leads to exhaust gases condenses and in turn forming pools of corrosive acid inside.

First Signs

The first signs that your exhaust system needs attention or replacement will be noise. The exhaust system not only expels fumes, it also muffles noise. If the exhaust system starts to wear then your car will start to make a different or more noise.

Things to listen out for

• Roaring noises – this may mean you have an issue with your muffler. Mufflers are usually the first area to wear and need replacing.
• Banging and Clanging – part of your exhaust system may have worked its way loose and may need to be re-secured to the rest of the system or engine.
• Hissing – a hissing sound may indicate a crack in the exhaust pipe or manifold or may mean that you have a leaking gasket.
• Chugging – no other word to describe this sound except chugging. Chugging may mean a blockage in your exhaust system.
• Vibrations – a loud metallic vibrating sound may indicate that something is touching the exhaust pipe that shouldn’t be. It may also indicate a clamp or bracket is loose.

Keep an Eye on It

There is no better way to check something that to have a good old fashioned look at it. Get down low and have a look at your tail pipe, muffler and exhaust system. Some issues will be easily and quickly picked up through a visual check. Have a look for holes in the pipes or muffler as well as any rust. Exhaust systems filter fumes as well as noise and a hole in your system the size of a 50 cent piece can omit enough fumes to put someone to sleep if they are in an enclosed space. As a car owner and driver you are commitment to ensure that your vehicle is in a safe condition when your drive it; if your car is letting off more fumes than what it should be, it will be considered unsafe. A car that is louder than it should be is also likely to be deemed unsafe and if a car is letting off more fumes or noise than it should be you may also be liable for fines from your State’s Environmental Protection Agency.

It is important to make sure that a visual check of your exhaust system is included in your regular servicing regime. Corroded, cracked or loose brackets and hangers can cause excessive wear on your exhaust system and lead to premature failure of the system.