There are several indications that your exhaust could be exhausted: read on for our expert guide on how to spot the signs
The exhaust pipe of your car can be dangerous when it breaks. Harmful gasses can be emitted, and should it ever fall off completely when you’re driving, you could be endangering motorists around you. It’s important to keep an eye on its health, so look out for the warning signs of your exhaust breaking with this handy checklist.
Have a look at the exhaust pipe on your car and notice its positioning. It is possible that the exhaust will hang lower than usual when there’s a problem: it can even drag on the floor when it’s broken. Nip this in the bud before it becomes a bigger problem, because if the exhaust drops off when you’re driving, it can become a danger to other drivers.
A faulty exhaust will cause a leak that sounds like a hiss or a tap, and this is especially noticeable when you’re accelerating. Generally though, an excessively noisy engine is a common sign that there’s a problem with the exhaust in some way: the engine will over-work itself when an exhaust gasket has broken.
If the engine is making a lot more noise than it usually does, that’s usually a sign that it’s working overtime. This can also be seen in the performance of the car. If you’re struggling for power and can’t reach acceleration speeds as easily as normal, it could be that the exhaust has a problem.
Fuel powers the engine, and if your engine is working harder to compensate for faulty parts of the car, then naturally you’re going to get through more fuel than usual. It’s surprising how much more fuel a car with a faulty exhaust can use, so check on the dial for extra consumption, and if you notice a problem, address it accordingly.
Gases can start to leak from your exhaust and often it’s obvious to smell as you’re driving. The overheating of your exhaust can cause a burning smell too: just be sure to notice any smells that don’t normally come from the car, as it could well be that the exhaust may be emitting these gases.
Does your car exhaust need repairing or replacing? Contact the Sunrise experts at 01258 459798.