Your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s exhaust system plays a crucial role in removing the exhaust from the combustion chamber to maintain engine combustion. If the exhaust remains in the chamber, there is no room for new air and fuel. Kauai Auto Repair is going to list the signs of a clogged or leaking exhaust system below. Bring your vehicle to our shop at the first indication of trouble.
Extreme Noise
A leaking exhaust system is a loud exhaust system. This is particularly true if the leak is in the exhaust manifold gasket. When the exhaust manifold gasket is leaking, you will hear loud hissing or tapping noises when you start your automobile. You will also hear these noises when you accelerate. If the muffler has a hole in it, your engine will be extremely loud all the time.
Power Loss
A leaking exhaust system also decreases your vehicle’s acceleration and overall power. The same is true with a clogged exhaust system. Again, if the exhaust remains in the combustion chamber, there is no room for fresh air and fuel to be ignited. This stops the combustion process and causes noticeable power loss in your engine both when you accelerate and while you are driving.
Loss of Fuel Economy
As the lingering exhaust affects your engine’s performance, it also reduces your vehicle’s fuel economy. Any time the engine is not running efficiently, the fuel efficiency suffers. Unfortunately, you will continue to lose gas mileage until you get the exhaust system fixed. It doesn’t matter if the system is clogged or leaking. The problem will directly affect how many miles you get out of a full tank.
Burning Engine Smells
Exhaust that is leaking out of the manifold gasket is scalding hot. This, unfortunately, melts nearby plastic parts and electrical wiring insulation. You will smell burning odors coming from the engine and the engine will also overheat because the scalding exhaust is trapped underneath the hood.
Gasoline or Diesel Fuel Odors
You may also smell gasoline or diesel fuel in your automobile’s passenger cabin. If the exhaust system is clogged, it’s possible that the exhaust is backing up into the cabin. A leaking exhaust system can also introduce exhaust into the cabin. As you know, this is extremely dangerous because vehicle exhaust contains carbon monoxide among other dangerous gases.
Call Kauai Auto Repair in Lihue, HI, today if you suspect your vehicle’s exhaust system is clogged or leaking. We will inspect the system and make any necessary repairs.
