4 Signs of a Damaged Exhaust System to Look For

It can be difficult to diagnose different issues with your car—especially if you’re new to vehicle ownership. You’re sure to hear bumps or hisses from time to time and worry about what they could mean. It’s possible that these could be signs of a damaged exhaust system, which can, fortunately, be an easy fix. If your car displays any of the symptoms below, you may be dealing with an exhaust problem.

As stated above, sounds are often a solid indicator that your exhaust system needs repair. You’ll most likely hear a hissing sound, which can suggest a crack or a leak. A loud rumbling sound can mean that something is amiss with the silencer.

Another potential warning sign is a gas smell inside your car. If you can smell fuel while you drive, this means that a leak is allowing fumes to travel to parts of the car where they shouldn’t.

The presence of a leak can negatively affect the gas flow of your vehicle and cause the engine to work harder than it would otherwise. This is because fumes that aren’t properly directed can cause the engine to heat up and kick into overdrive, which causes it to use more fuel as a result.

While a slight hissing or rumbling can indicate an unseen problem, a roaring sound is often an indicator of a more visible one—it could mean that the exhaust pipe has detached. A pipe that hangs or drags is an obvious indicator of a problem, but some people let it remain, as it doesn’t always seem to present an immediate danger. Whether this is true or not, this is a problem that we suggest you address sooner rather than later.

Repairing a leak in your exhaust isn’t usually as expensive as the repairs for something such as your engine or transmission. A simple repair with labor generally won’t cost you more than $300. If you have the correct skills and exhaust repair supplies, however, fixing it yourself can be more cost-efficient. If dealt with in a timely manner, you can have your exhaust repaired and your car running like brand new in no time.