We all know the common signs of a damaged exhaust system: decreased fuel efficiency, engine noise, and smelling fumes in the car. But there are plenty of other signals your car can send you to let you know you have an exhaust leak. And if you need exhaust repair, the best place to go is Lou’s Custom Exhaust. Exhaust is pretty much all we do, so we’re sort of the experts around here.
Here are some more telltale signs that you need exhaust repair because of a leak.
Vibrations
Even the smallest leak in your exhaust will cause vibrations throughout the vehicle. Those vibrations will become more intense if the leak gets bigger. You will first feel the vibrations in the gas pedal and then in the steering wheel. If you don’t do anything to repair the leak, you will eventually be able to feel the vibrations through the floor.
Carbon Buildup
As exhaust escapes through a leak, it will leave behind carbon particles. Over time, those particles will build up around the source of the leak. You can visually inspect your exhaust system to look for carbon buildup. If you see black spots, that’s a strong indicator of an exhaust leak.
Holes
This is a pretty obvious sign, but it’s a big problem, so it makes it onto the list. Age, corrosion, and other damage can leave a hole in the muffler or along the exhaust pipe. You probably will have noticed a problem before it gets bad enough to leave a hole in the metal, but if you have a hole, you have a leak.
Noises When Accelerating
When you start your can and put your foot on the gas, you expect to hear certain noises. Every car is different, and you get used to the noises of your vehicle running normally. If you hear sounds that you don’t expect and don’t seem right, that’s a possible sign of an exhaust leak. Noises that sound like air leaking or whistling mean that you have a problem. Unless you’re an expert, you probably can’t diagnose strange engine noises on your own, so it’s best to take the car to the pros.
Exhaust Repair by Lou’s Custom Exhaust
If your car is making noises that it shouldn’t or vibrating in odd places, it’s time for an exhaust repair. You want to deal with an exhaust leak right away before it causes further damage. Come to Lou’s Custom Exhaust; the exhaust system is our specialty, and we’ll get your car repaired and back on the road.
