When the exhaust system in your car is working properly, the irony is that you are likely not to notice it much. Here’s some advice from 2000 Auto about what to watch for in terms of exhaust issues.
Increased Engine Noise
One of the things you’ll notice if the exhaust system needs help is that your car’s engine might sound louder or worse than it usually does. This is because part of what the exhaust does is muffle the sounds coming from the engine before releasing gases through the tailpipe. Holes in the exhaust or failures anywhere in the exhaust system can mean that suddenly you’re noticing a lot more noise than you used to.
Increased Fumes and Odors
If the exhaust system is working properly, you’re not likely to see a lot of exhaust smoke. You might see a few little puffs, but the exhaust shouldn’t be dark or billowing out of the tailpipe. Typically, exhaust smoke isn’t super smelly, either. When there are problems in the exhaust, however, you’re more likely to smell excessive fumes or a rotten egg smell. All of these changes are signs that you need to have the exhaust system checked out.
Decreased Gas Mileage
To understand why gas mileage decreases can indicate exhaust trouble, it’s important to know how the exhaust system and engine work together. The exhaust shuttles spent fuel and debris out of the engine so that the area is clear for the next round of combustion. If it’s not doing that, your car’s engine ends up burning more fuel to do the same job, which ends up lowering the car’s fuel mileage.
Warning Lights
Warning lights on your car’s dashboard always demand attention, of course. But if you’re seeing any, especially the check engine light, then it’s important to get that checked out right away. The exhaust system doesn’t have its own dedicated warning light, so that means that the check engine light could be a sign of exhaust trouble. If you’re noticing some of these other issues as well as the check engine light, the exhaust could be the culprit.
Noticing issues with your car’s exhaust system? Call 2000 Auto in Melbourne, FL today and we’ll take a closer look for you. Once we diagnose the problem, we’ll also let you know what your car needs in order to get safely back on the road again as fast as possible.