Home > 4 Signs Your Exhaust System Needs a Repair

Exhaust

Although the exhaust system performs one of the hardest tasks in an automobile, it tends to be a commonly forgotten part. Many drivers fail to notice the signs that the system needs maintenance.

view of exhaust pipe on vehicle

1. Burning Smell from The Engine Section

A burning smell arises once the heat from exhaust gases cause various parts of the engine to burn. It mainly occurs once the gasket fails and begins to leak. Since the engine wiring is plastic in nature, they will burn when they get into contact with the hot gases.

In some instances, smoke may appear, but should you sense any burning smell make a visit to your mechanic to have the exhaust system checked.

2. Decreased Fuel Efficiency

Once the exhaust system of the car fails, the functionality of the engine is greatly affected. Power and acceleration performance tend to become the most affected of the engine.

It therefore implies that the fuel won’t be as well utilized as it should be, as your car is using more fuel to perform easy tasks.

When many people think of exhaust problems, they think of a loud muffler. However, your car’s exhaust system does more than just keep your car running quietly. A well-maintained exhaust is good for you and your passengers, your wallet, and the environment.

properly maintained car exhaust system

Importance of a Well-Maintained Exhaust System

Your car’s exhaust system has four main parts. Together, these parts play an important role in how well your car runs.

  1. Exhaust manifold
  2. Catalytic converter
  3. Muffler
  4. Exhaust pipe

The exhaust system’s most important function is that it keeps you safe. It prevents toxic fumes from entering the car’s cabin by directing them out the tail pipe. In addition, a well-maintained exhaust helps your car use fuel more efficiently.

Lastly, the exhaust system reduces the amount of harmful emissions that enter the environment. If your exhaust needs repairs, you may not pass the state’s emission testing.

Ways to Care for Your Car’s Exhaust

The best way to care for your car’s exhaust is to address any problems right away. Signs of a malfunctioning exhaust include:

  • A strong

The exhaust system of a car is an important component that few people consider. Your car releases fumes containing carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons, and if your exhaust doesn’t work properly, problems can occur. Maintaining the exhaust helps to keep the engine running smoothly and prevents dangerous gases from getting into the cabin. It also helps deter rust from setting in. Regularly cleaning your exhaust system helps to prevent costly repairs.

Check out the steps below to learn how to properly clean your car’s exhaust system:

auto mechanic cleaning car exhaust system

1. Gather Your Materials

Get all your supplies together before you begin. You will need gloves, a bucket of soap and water, several rags, a brush that can fit into the pipe, a degreaser, and metal polish.

2. Use Soap and Water to Clean the Exhaust Pipe

Using soap and water, clean the outside of the pipe with an old rag. Take the brush and clean out the inside reaching as far as you can. This will remove caked-on dirt and smoke deposits.

3. Apply Degreaser

Using

Can you see visible smoke flowing from your vehicle’s exhaust system? If so, you may have an issue as relatively minor as overfilling the crankcase with oil to as major as a cracked engine block. Check out these three common types (and colors) of exhaust smoke, possible causes, and when you should take your car to the shop.

white exhaust smoke flowing from vehicle

1. Blue/Gray Smoke

If you’ve accidentally overfilled the crankcase with oil, expect to see a blue/gray exhaust smoke. This color indicates that your engine is burning excess oil somewhere. It could also indicate worn valve seals, piston rings, or cylinders that are allowing oil to leak and burn. A stuck PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve is another common culprit. If this valve gets stuck, oil will mix with gases inside the engine and create blue smoke.

2. Black Smoke

Black smoke indicates that unburnt fuel is escaping through your vehicle’s exhaust. It might be something as simple as a clogged air filter messing up the air to fuel ratio. Faulty engine sensors, a faulty fuel

High car emissions lead to wasted fuel and excessive carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere, which can have a significant impact on the environment. There are several possible causes of high car emissions and knowing what to look for can help you identify small issues before they become larger problems. Here are some of the most common causes of high car emissions to watch for in order to keep your vehicle as eco-friendly as possible!

car emissions coming from exhaust pipe

1. Fuel Injection Problem

A problem with your fuel injector or its engine control unit can create excessive emissions by creating a poor balance between the amount of fuel and the amount of air that is used.

2. Faulty Oxygen Sensor

A faulty oxygen sensor may not accurately register the amount of oxygen that is in your exhaust, which can negatively affect the quality and amount of your car’s emissions.

3. Poor EVAP System

Leaks or breaks in your Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP System) can cause excessive gas fume leakage.

4. Vacuum Leak

A Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor