Your vehicle’s exhaust system is a bit of an unsung hero. Most people don’t even think about the exhaust system until they start to have problems with it. This system plays a crucial role in your vehicle’s combustion as well as removes gases that are dangerous to you and your passengers. Clark’s Car Care can service your exhaust system if you notice any of the following common exhaust issues.
Too Much Noise
A clear sign you’ve got an issue in the exhaust is engine noise. The muffler reduces engine and exhaust noise so your automobile doesn’t sound like a drag race car or army tank. If the muffler fails, your car will be a lot louder when you turn it on. Another exhaust system noise is a tapping sound when you first start your vehicle. This is exhaust sputtering out of a cracked exhaust manifold gasket.
Too Little Power
As we said above, the exhaust system actually helps engine combustion. As oxygen and gas are burned in the combustion chamber, they release gases that fill the space. The exhaust system evacuates those gases, clearing the way for fresh combustion fuel, i.e. air and gas. If your combustion is not firing correctly because of too much exhaust, you’ll lose engine power, especially when you step on the gas.
Low Gas Mileage
Combustion is what generates power, so if your engine is starved of air and fuel, it will burn whatever gas it has much more quickly. It’s blowing through the gas because it’s struggling to generate the power you request every time you press down on the accelerator. This sign of an exhaust system issue might be subtle at first. You won’t notice it unless you track your gas mileage after each service station visit.
Melting Engine Parts
Yikes! Unfortunately, we’re serious. A leaking exhaust manifold gasket can set off a chain of events that can ruin your engine if you don’t address them right away. Exhaust is scorching hot, and as it leaks out of the manifold gasket, it not only overheats your engine but also melts vulnerable parts, such as engine wiring and plastic parts. You smell the burning wiring and plastic from your engine bay.
Gas Smells
Finally, you might also smell gasoline inside your vehicle if there is a clog in the exhaust system or it’s leaking. Clogs can occur in the catalytic converter and exhaust hoses. Leaks can happen from the hoses and the exhaust manifold. The bottom line is gas smells inside of your car are very dangerous, so call for a tow to Clark’s Car Care in Naperville, IL, so we can find your exhaust system problem and fix it.