At DeBoer’s Auto, we see a lot of different problems with vehicles when people bring them to our shop. Sometimes you might have problems with your exhaust system and not even know it. We’ve explained five of the most common issues we see with exhaust systems so you know what to look for with your vehicle.
Muffler Or Tailpipe Hanging Down
The most obvious problem you might notice is your muffler or tailpipe hanging down. It could also simply be rattling because it’s loose and you’ll notice it when driving the vehicle or when it’s idling. Whether you can see or hear these types of problems, it’s worth bringing in the vehicle to have it looked at before a larger problem occurs.
Noises In The Engine
Many people don’t associate noises in the engine with exhaust problems. However, if you hear odd noises coming from the engine, it could be related to the exhaust system. It’s important to always pay attention to any unusual noises under the hood and bring it to the shop for an inspection and to fix the issue.
Reduced Power
The exhaust system on your vehicle is part of the breathing system, similar to how we inhale and exhale. If the exhaust system becomes clogged in the catalytic converter or the muffler then you could experience reduced power when accelerating the vehicle. It’s important to bring your vehicle in for an inspection if you noticed a reduction in power when pressing the accelerator pedal.
Gas Or Exhaust-Type Smell In The Cabin
A gas or exhaust-type smell in the cabin is a sure sign of a problem with your exhaust system. You could be experiencing an exhaust leak or other types of issues creating the smell in your cabin. It’s not good for your health to breathe in those fumes, so take your vehicle to get it looked at as soon as possible.
Poor Fuel Efficiency
If you notice your fuel efficiency has degraded recently, don’t ignore it. Sometimes fuel efficiency fluctuates depending on driving conditions, but if it’s consistently getting worse, then it could be a sign of an exhaust issue. Vehicles should operate reliably and predictably, so if something doesn’t seem right with yours, it’s always worth getting it checked out.
Never assume any potential issue with your vehicle is a minor one. When you bring your car into DeBoer’s Auto, we will do a full inspection to ensure any problems are identified and we will solve the root cause of the issue. We are ready to help you at any time, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re experiencing problems with your vehicle.
