Noticing something off with your car can be alarming, especially when you’re not sure what’s causing it. One issue that’s often overlooked is an exhaust leak, which can be hazardous if not dealt with. Exhaust leaks can lead to harmful gasses entering the cabin, reduce engine efficiency, and even damage other components of your vehicle. Knowing the early signs can help you catch an exhaust leak before it becomes a bigger, more expensive problem. We'll share how to detect the early signs of an exhaust leak.
Unusual Noises Coming from Your Car
One of the first signs of an exhaust leak is a change in the sound of your car. If you notice that your vehicle has become significantly louder than usual, it could be a clue that something’s wrong with the exhaust system. Typically, a leak in the exhaust will cause a loud, hissing or popping sound when the engine is running, especially during acceleration.
The exhaust system is supposed to guide the gasses away from your engine and muffle the sound of its operation. When there’s a leak, not only do the gasses escape before they’re meant to, but the sound-dampening properties of the system are compromised. A sudden increase in noise level is often one of the first things drivers notice.
Decrease in Fuel Efficiency
Have you been making more trips to the gas station than usual? A drop in fuel efficiency can be another early indicator of an exhaust leak. When your exhaust system isn’t working as it should, your engine has to work harder to maintain performance. This puts extra strain on the engine and, as a result, burns more fuel.
You may not immediately associate poor fuel efficiency with an exhaust leak, but the two are often connected. If you’re noticing that your gas mileage has dropped and can’t think of any other explanation, it’s worth having your exhaust system inspected for potential leaks.
Vibrations in the Cabin or Steering Wheel
Feeling vibrations when you’re driving, especially in the steering wheel or floorboards, is another common symptom of an exhaust leak. These vibrations occur because the escaping gasses from the leak can cause the exhaust system to rattle and shake. In some cases, you might even feel these vibrations while the car is idling.
Excessive vibrations are not only uncomfortable, but they can also indicate that the leak is getting worse. Ignoring this sign could lead to more severe damage in your exhaust system or other parts of your vehicle, so it’s important to address it promptly.
Strong Smell of Exhaust Fumes
If you smell exhaust fumes inside the car while driving, this is a red flag. Your exhaust system is designed to direct harmful gasses, like carbon monoxide, away from the vehicle. If there’s a leak, those gasses could be seeping into the cabin, which is not only unpleasant but dangerous.
Carbon monoxide is odorless and can cause serious health issues, including dizziness, nausea, and even loss of consciousness. If you notice any strange odors, especially the smell of exhaust, it’s essential to get your car checked immediately to avoid exposure to toxic gasses.
Check Engine Light Turns On
Your car’s check engine light can turn on for many reasons, one of which is an issue with the exhaust system. While this alone doesn’t confirm an exhaust leak, if the light comes on in conjunction with some of the other symptoms mentioned (like strange noises or reduced fuel efficiency), it could be signaling a problem with the exhaust.
It’s important to pay attention to this light and not ignore it, as your vehicle is trying to warn you that something needs attention. A diagnostic scan at a repair shop can quickly identify whether the issue is an exhaust leak or something else that requires fixing.
Rough Idling or Stalling
If your car is idling roughly or even stalling unexpectedly, this could also be a sign of an exhaust leak. When the leak affects the back pressure in your exhaust system, it can cause the engine to run inefficiently. This can result in a rough idle or stalling, particularly when your vehicle is at a standstill.
While other engine problems could cause rough idling, an exhaust leak should be considered a potential source. Getting a professional to inspect the exhaust system will help pinpoint the cause and get your car running smoothly again.
Are you feeling exhaust fumes or vibrations while driving? These could be early signs of an exhaust leak. At Auto Masters Repair, we can identify and fix exhaust system issues before they become bigger problems. Give us a call now to book your visit!