Three Indications Of Exhaust Issues

The exhaust system, as its name would suggest, is what removes all of the exhaust gases from your engine as it burns fuel. As a result, your exhaust plays a central role in determining the overall performance of your engine, and by extension, your entire vehicle. Understanding the three most common symptoms of a damaged exhaust system can allow you to identify such mechanical issues quickly so that they can be fixed before they affect your engine, which is much a much more expensive and complicated auto repair.

Reduced Fuel Economy

One of the first signs that may develop if there is something wrong with your vehicle's exhaust system, though it can be hard to notice and is often overlooked, is a reduction in your fuel economy. A blocked or leaking exhaust system can affect how well your engine is able to vent heat and gases away from itself, leading to a higher operating temperature. Higher engine temperatures mean that the fuel in the engine is being burned at an inefficient rate, translating into more visits to the pump for you and higher fuel costs in the long run. The best way to catch this is to keep track of your fuel economy and to monitor the engine temperature while driving.

Noise and Vibrations

Another common sign of exhaust trouble that you may notice is rough idling and significant amounts of engine noise, especially when travelling at low speeds. Loud noises can point to a leak in the exhaust system, which can be banging, grinding or shaking sounds throughout your vehicle. A rough idle points to the inefficient burning of fuel in the engine. All of these things can also sometimes cause your vehicle to shake or vibrate, which will gradually get worse as you accelerate.

Rust

Though you will not be able to notice this while you are driving, if you believe that your exhaust system is not working properly or is suffering from damage, you should take a flashlight and inspect the underside of your vehicle (after it has been off for a while, of course). Trace the exhaust system from the muffler to the front of your car and look for any signs of rust or corrosion. This is much more common in areas that lay down heavy amounts of salt in the summer, but it can happen anywhere. Rust will eat its way through your exhaust system, leading to leaks and rendering the entire system woefully inefficient, which can cause your vehicle to fail an emissions test and can reduce the overall performance of your engine.

For more information on how to identify exhaust issues, speak to an exhaust expert in your area, such as Benchmark Motors INC.