Exhaust Repairs
Your vehicle’s exhaust system has four primary objectives, to control noise levels, divert toxic exhaust fumes away from passengers, boost engine performance, and make fuel consumption more efficient. The structure of your vehicle’s exhaust will depend largely on the make and type, as well as how many engine valves it has. All exhausts work in a similar way though, with their main purpose being to remove the noxious gases your engine produces while it’s running. It’s critical that your exhaust is kept in good repair, as is it dangerous to drive if it’s faulty, to potential carbon monoxide poisoning. As well, if your exhaust fumes are not properly expelled it can lead to serious degradation of your vehicle’s engine.
Can you repair an exhaust?
Sometimes. If your exhaust only has a small fault, like a tiny leak or a damaged muffler, you can get the leak patched or replace the muffler. But if your exhaust has rusted extensively or has other serious damage, you will have to replace it as it probably cannot be repaired. Speak to your nearest local garage, where a qualified mechanic will assess your exhaust and tell you what the problem is. You can find your local garage by using the search portal at www.garagesnearme.co.uk or by downloading the app on the Google Play or Apple Store.
Does a broken exhaust affect acceleration?
It can, depending on the problem. If your vehicle’s pipes are rusted or damaged, they can cause your exhaust to leak and this can cause your car to experience degraded performance. This could include a drop in acceleration or power, or your vehicle may become less efficient at burning fuel because of a decrease in back pressure.
Can an exhaust leak be fixed?
Yes, it may be possible, but it will be tricky to do it by yourself. If your vehicle’s exhaust is leaking due to damage, a hole, or an accident, your best bet is to take it to the nearest repair shop. An experienced mechanic will weld a new section of pipe, or repair or replace any damaged parts, so your vehicle is safe to drive and leak proof. Search for your nearest repair shop using the free portal www.garagesnearme.co.uk or download the app via Google Play or the Apple store.
What does a bad exhaust sound like?
Is your exhaust sounding noisier than usual? If so, your vehicle could have a damaged or faulty exhaust manifold gasket. This can make your vehicle emit a hissing or tapping sound which gets worse when you start your engine cold, or when you accelerate. It’s caused by a leaking exhaust and you need to get it repaired as soon as possible, so you don’t inhale carbon monoxide, or cause serious damage to your vehicle’s engine. Take your vehicle to your nearest garage as soon as possible and get a qualified mechanic to examine it.
Can you drive with a hole in your exhaust?
You should never attempt to drive if you have a leaking exhaust because it can be extremely dangerous. If you drive with a hole in your exhaust it could start a fire in your vehicle or could cause your engine to incur severe damage that will be expensive to fix. As well, you may be putting yourself and any passengers at risk of inhaling toxic fumes, as they may seep into your vehicle’s interior. Driving with an exhaust that is leaking could expose you to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can make you extremely ill, and can even be fatal. To be safe, never try and drive with a faulty or leaking exhaust. Instead get a qualified mechanic to examine your car as soon as possible. Find your nearest expert exhaust repair specialist at www.garagesnearme.co.uk, or download the app from the Apple or Google Play store.