Righteous Auto Care Can Fix Your Car’s Leaking Exhaust System

You can count on Righteous Auto Care for all of your automotive service and repair needs including the exhaust system. We are your one-stop auto service shop in Racine, Wisconsin. We are going to discuss exhaust system problems below and the signs that your car, truck, or C/SUV’s exhaust system is leaking. Your exhaust system can also act up if it is clogged.

One sign that your exhaust system is leaking is if you smell your fuel inside the passenger cabin. This can also be a sign that the exhaust system is clogged. You should stop driving your automobile immediately if you are inhaling fuel fumes or exhaust fumes. As you know, your vehicle’s exhaust contains carbon monoxide in it and this is dangerous if not deadly.

You may also smell burning odors coming from the engine bay if the exhaust system is leaking. In this case, the leak can likely be traced back to a cracked exhaust manifold gasket. When this gasket cracks, it releases scorching exhaust into the engine. You will smell burning plastic or rubber as the exhaust melts nearby parts. Your engine will also overheat.

Your tailpipe can also start leaking if it has a hole in it. Holes can happen due to tailpipe damage or corrosion eating through the pipe. Anytime your tailpipe has something wrong with it, such as hanging too low, it needs to be replaced. You can inspect your tailpipe on a regular basis to see if it looks as if it is in trouble, such as being dented or corroded.

A leaking exhaust system will also directly affect your engine’s performance. The exhaust leak will fill the engine with exhaust that will clog the combustion chamber. Unfortunately, this will impede fresh combustion in the chamber and your engine will sputter and lag. You will also notice an unresponsiveness in your vehicle’s acceleration.

As if the engine performance problems weren’t enough, your gas mileage will tank – sorry for the pun – as well. Because the engine is struggling to produce combustion, it will use more fuel. Consequently, you’ll see reduced gas mileage.

Finally, your exhaust system will leak if the muffler ends up with a hole in it. This will cause your engine to be extremely loud. You may also hear rattling when you accelerate.

Call Righteous Auto Care in Racine, WI, today to schedule an appointment for an exhaust system inspection if your vehicle is suffering from any of the problems listed above.