Leaking Exhaust System? Check Out The Muffler!
Is your car starting to perform poorly or suddenly loud noises are coming from the muffler? These are common problems that indicate there may be a leak in your vehicle's exhaust system.
Here are 3 Main Signs Indicating That Your Vehicle May Have a Leak in the Exhaust system:
- The "check engine" light stays lit up;
- The engine runs and idles rough; or
- Loud noises come from the muffler.
You may be able to determine if there is a leak in your vehicle's exhaust system, and also pinpoint the location and source of the leak.
Here are a few tips from an auto repair mechanic that will help you save valuable time and money spent in an auto shop:
- First of all, make sure the car is cool while you look under the hood. Because metal expands as it heats up, small leaks get smaller, making them difficult to detect.
- Temporarily cover the muffler to force the exhaust through any leaks. Start at the engine and follow the exhaust system all the way to the end, feeling for hot air escaping through the pipe, especially at the connectors, as these areas commonly have leaks. The muffler will get hot, so be careful not to touch it.
- Inspect the exhaust manifold for cracking or warping by removing the plastic engine cover. This problem is quite common, especially with older cars.
- Check the gaskets for cracking, another common cause of leaks. You may feel hot air escaping as well as a strong smell of fumes. In older cars, it is common just through normal use for the gasket connecting the manifold to the cylinder head to crack.
- Check the pipes or muffler for rust--whether it is just surface, or if it goes all the way through the metal. Areas weakened by rust often cause leaks.
Following your own inspection, or if you're not comfortable conducting these tests yourself, make sure to have your auto mechanic take a look. Most auto shops will run tests free of charge and then recommend the appropriate service.
Need an inspection of your exhaust system? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary's Quality Automotive by calling (308) 381-2295 or go on-line at https://www.garysautoinc.com/ for more information about mufflers. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE
Is your car starting to perform poorly or suddenly loud noises are coming from the muffler? These are common problems that indicate there may be a leak in your vehicle's exhaust system.
Here are 3 Main Signs Indicating That Your Vehicle May Have a Leak in the Exhaust system:
- The "check engine" light stays lit up;
- The engine runs and idles rough; or
- Loud noises come from the muffler.
You may be able to determine if there is a leak in your vehicle's exhaust system, and also pinpoint the location and source of the leak.
Here are a few tips from an auto repair mechanic that will help you save valuable time and money spent in an auto shop:
- First of all, make sure the car is cool while you look under the hood. Because metal expands as it heats up, small leaks get smaller, making them difficult to detect.
- Temporarily cover the muffler to force the exhaust through any leaks. Start at the engine and follow the exhaust system all the way to the end, feeling for hot air escaping through the pipe, especially at the connectors, as these areas commonly have leaks. The muffler will get hot, so be careful not to touch it.
- Inspect the exhaust manifold for cracking or warping by removing the plastic engine cover. This problem is quite common, especially with older cars.
- Check the gaskets for cracking, another common cause of leaks. You may feel hot air escaping as well as a strong smell of fumes. In older cars, it is common just through normal use for the gasket connecting the manifold to the cylinder head to crack.
- Check the pipes or muffler for rust--whether it is just surface, or if it goes all the way through the metal. Areas weakened by rust often cause leaks.
Following your own inspection, or if you're not comfortable conducting these tests yourself, make sure to have your auto mechanic take a look. Most auto shops will run tests free of charge and then recommend the appropriate service.
Need an inspection of your exhaust system? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary's Quality Automotive by calling (308) 381-2295 or go on-line at https://www.garysautoinc.com/ for more information about mufflers. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE
