Owning a car, whether brand new or used, comes with a fair share of responsibilities. As a car owner, you have a give-and-take relationship with your car. For it to function properly and reliably, you in turn need to prioritise regular maintenance and timely inspections.
Avoiding periodic inspections can save you some money, however, it often leads to bigger and costlier problems in the long run. One critical problem that these standard examinations bring to light is a faulty exhaust system.
A defective car exhaust can impact your car greatly. It can reduce the performance of your car’s engine, lowering the performance of the overall vehicle. Not only does a worn-out exhaust system harm your vehicle but it also poses a risk to your health and the environment.
To avoid these problems, you need to replace the exhaust system promptly if any issues are detected during inspections. The question here is – should you always wait for the routine inspections to identify this problem? Are there any warning signs that point towards the replacement of the exhaust?
If you want to find the answer to these questions, continue reading this article. We have listed six tell-tale signs that will tell you it’s time to replace the old exhaust with a new one.
Let’s check them out!
1. Unusual Noises Coming From the Engine
One of the main functions of an exhaust is to reduce and control the noise generated by the engine when working. It is understandable that when the exhaust is leaking or is malfunctioning, you will hear a much higher sound coming from the engine than usual.
The sounds can be annoying, which might include rumbling, hissing or popping noises. Even though this might not feel like it is a grave issue, in reality, it is very dangerous. These noises point towards a leak in the exhaust, which may allow fumes to enter the cabin and have dire consequences.
2. Reduced Fuel Efficiency
Another common sign that indicates a faulty exhaust is when your car is using up way more fuel than it normally does. Being an important component of the engine, the exhaust helps in the combustion process and allows the exhaust gases to efficiently flow out of the engine.
When the exhaust becomes faulty or worn out, the engine will struggle to release the exhaust gases and work harder. These additional efforts require more energy which leads to the engine using more fuel.
3. Poor Vehicle Performance
If you notice a sudden decline in your car’s performance and it lags when accelerating, a worn-out exhaust system might be the probable cause. A compromised exhaust, either leaking or blocked can disrupt the efficiency of the engine. In this case, replacing the exhaust will restore the engine to its optimal condition and help maintain your vehicle’s performance.
Pay close attention to poor performance signs to ensure timely repairs that’ll save you money and retain your health in the long run.
4. You Can Smell Fuel or Other Foul Odours
As mentioned earlier, the exhaust helps the exhaust fumes to release from the engine. When the exhaust is not working as it should you will either smell petrol or other foul odours when you enter the car. These smells arise due to the exhaust fumes entering the car instead of being thrown out of the engine.
Inhaling it for a long period can severely harm your health as these fumes are toxic. That’s why when this happens you should avoid driving in your car and immediately get the exhaust checked. If the exhaust is found to be leaking or broken, replace it immediately to avoid bigger repairs down the road.
5. Visible Smoke From the Exhaust
If your car is emitting smoke from the exhaust, it’s a clear indication that there is something wrong with the exhaust. Smoke can point towards various issues with your vehicle, depending on its colour or smell.
While white smoke means that there is a chance of coolant or water entering the combustion chamber. On the other hand, black smoke often indicates an overly rich fuel mixture. Regardless of its colour, visible smoke is always a warning sign of a worn-out exhaust and should be addressed immediately.
6. Rusting Exhaust
An exhaust is continuously exposed to moisture and other environmental elements, making it susceptible to corrosion and rust over time. A rusted exhaust can lead to leaks, causing potential damage to your car’s engine. So when you notice rust patches or discolouration on the exhaust pipes, it would be wise to get it replaced.
To Sum It Up
If you notice any of the signs discussed above, it’s time for you to get the exhaust replaced. In addition to these signs, regular check-ups by an authorised service centre will help you identify potential problems with your exhaust system, amongst other components of your car.
These periodic inspections will allow you to keep a tab on the condition of the exhaust and if you identify any issues, you can get it replaced on time. Ignoring such issues for a long period will not only harm your vehicle but also result in hefty repairs down the road.