WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.govGood Maintenance Practices:
- Inspect your exhaust system for rust or corrosion.
- Look for loose parts, disconnected components, failed welds, or damage.
- Listen for any irregular sound coming from your exhaust system or engine.
- Be aware of any new vibrations, loss of engine power, or extreme smell of exhaust gas.
- If you are going to put your vehicle through heavy use, inspect and tighten any loose exhaust components beforehand and inspect afterwards.
- Be cautious when approaching large bumps, dips in the roads surface, or any hazardous conditions where you could potentially scrape or damage your exhaust system.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Uncharacteristically loud sound coming from your exhaust – there could be an exhaust leak, bad catalytic converter, or bad muffler.
- New vibration, loss of engine power, rumbling noise – if you notice any of these issues while operating your vehicle it could be a hole, exhaust leak, or disconnected exhaust component.
- Smell of exhaust gas – this can be a serious issue, as any extreme smell of exhaust in the passenger cabin would indicate an exhaust leak that needs to be addressed immediately. Make sure your windows are rolled down to protect yourself.
- Filling up your gas tank more often – if there is a change in fuel efficiency, have your vehicle checked immediately. If the exhaust is leaking, your engine has to work harder, which requires more fuel.
- Increased engine noise – your exhaust system keeps the engine noise low, so if there is a leak you are likely to hear a loud rumble from your engine.
- Rust or corrosion – if you inspect your exhaust system and notice any deterioration from rust or corrosion, it is a sign you might need to replace that part as soon as possible before you run into any problems. Water vapor can collect in your exhaust system, as well as other factors such as rain, snow, salt, and road debris, causing rust/corrosion.
- Loose or damaged parts and components – shaking and jarring of your exhaust system from potholes or uneven road surfaces could cause your exhaust system to become loose or even damaged. This can combine with other common problems like rust or corrosion and make problems worse. If you notice any loose or damaged parts or components immediately address the issue.