The average exhaust system lasts anywhere from 40,000 miles to 80,000 miles. This lifespan is shortened if you live near the sea because the moist and salty air corrodes the exhaust system quickly. If you are concerned that your exhaust system needs to be replaced, look for the following problems.
Loud Engine
One thing that can happen is your engine can get extremely loud if it’s time to replace the muffler. This is a sign that the muffler has been damaged and has a hole in it. Corrosion can also eat a hole through the muffler. A loud engine can also point to a stolen catalytic converter.
Lagging Performance
Your exhaust system can affect your engine’s performance if the system is clogged or leaking. Unfortunately, in either situation, the engine will fill with the exhaust that was removed from it. This will prevent the smooth and steady combustion process in the combustion chamber.
Lagging Fuel Economy
It’s bad enough that your engine performance is lagging, but your fuel economy will lag, as well. Unfortunately, the problems with the exhaust system will increase the engine’s fuel consumption. Consequently, you will notice a reduction in the gas mileage that you get out of a full tank.
Strong Burning Odors
Hot exhaust can leak out of a cracked exhaust manifold. It can also leak out of the gasket that seals the manifold. When this happens, it overheats your engine. You will see the temperature gauge needle rise into the red zone and smell strong burning odors coming from the engine.
Strong Fuel Odors
We want to caution you that if you end up with an exhaust system that is clogged, you may smell fuel odors in the passenger cabin. This is a bad thing because inhaling the fuel odors can make you sick. As such, we recommend you call for a tow truck to bring your automobile to our shop.
Tailpipe Damage
Finally, you may need to replace the tailpipe if it gets damaged even if the exhaust system is in relatively good shape. Your vehicle relies on the tailpipe to remove the exhaust and release it into the environment. We can replace the tailpipe if it is damaged.
We can also replace your exhaust system or rebuild it if it is too old. Call our service shop today if you are having any of the problems listed in this blog post. These problems point to an issue with the exhaust system.