Your vehicle’s exhaust system has a huge responsibility. It is designed to take the harmful gases generated in your car, truck, or C/SUV’s combustion engine and keep them away from you and your passengers. It also treats the harmful gases before they are released into the environment. Willoughby Hills Auto Repair services and repairs vehicle exhaust systems. Here are six signs you’ve got problems.
1. Your Engine Is Too Loud
The muffler is part of the exhaust system, and if it has a hole in it, your engine will be very loud. Another thing that causes loud engine noises is the exhaust manifold. If the manifold gasket is cracked, you will hear hissing or tapping, especially when the engine is cold. This is the exhaust leaking out of the gasket.
2. You’ve Lost Power
Exhaust system problems can also affect your vehicle’s power production. You will notice power loss when you accelerate and power drag as you try to pick up speed. This is caused by an exhaust system leak, and you will continue to lose more and more power as the leak worsens.
3. You Keep Having to Fill Your Tank
To overcompensate for the loss of performance, your vehicle’s engine will guzzle gas. The more you push the engine to speed up the more gas it will use. You’ll find yourself heading to the service station more often than usual to fill up the gas tank because the engine is burning too much fuel.
4. You’ll Smell Hot Odors
We talked about the exhaust manifold gasket leaking above and when this happens, the hot exhaust leaking out of the manifold will heat up the engine parts around it. We aren’t just talking a little warm; we’re talking burn and melt them. You will smell these parts overheating in your engine bay.
5. You’ll See Tailpipe Damage
It’s a good idea to look underneath your car and inspect the tailpipe(s) regularly just to make sure nothing is wrong. The tailpipe(s) can easily be damaged if you run over a bump or pothole too fast. You might see the tailpipe(s) hanging or visible damage to the pipe(s), such as dents and/or holes.
6. You Smell Gas Odors
Finally, this sign of exhaust system trouble might mean you’ve got carbon monoxide seeping into the cabin, so don’t take any chances. If you smell gas in your vehicle’s interior, find a safe place to park and call for a tow truck. Gas odors are dangerous and even fatal, so have them inspected right away.
We can do that here at Willoughby Hills Auto Repair in Willoughby Hills, OH, so give us a call today.