5 Signs It's Time To Replace Your Car Exhaust System

The exhaust system is one of your car’s most essential parts. It reduces the amount of noise the engine produces, converts harmful gasses, ensures smooth running, and controls the engine’s backpressure, which enhances its performance and endurance. If your exhaust system isn’t well maintained, it will deteriorate, damaging your engine and negatively impacting all its functions. This may call for a repair or replacement. This article outlines five signs it’s time to replace your car exhaust system.

Table of Contents

1. Loud engine noises

If your car engine is louder than usual, don’t ignore it because it could be serious. Vehicle engine noises can be caused by an old torque converter, worn-out engine bearings, or when the engine needs more oil. If these loud noise causes are ruled out, the issue could be the exhaust system. If your muffler is damaged or worn out, your vehicle will run louder and cause increased fumes and poor gas mileage.

Alternatively, a leaky exhaust manifold could be the problem, mainly if the Check Engine signal lights up. Exhaust leaks are dangerous because of extreme heat and the unsafe carbon monoxide gas they have. Replace your exhaust system with a better quality exhaust from Rhino Exhaust for enthusing performance, great value for money, and a thrilling experience.

2. Poor fuel efficiency and performance

If your engine consumes a lot of fuel, it’ll run in a rich condition, reducing fuel economy, increasing emissions, damaging components like spark plugs, and causing rough idle. When your exhaust system has issues or is failing, your gas mileage reduces. You may refuel more frequently than usual, signaling a problem with the muffler or exhaust system. You may have to replace your car exhaust system based on the severity of damage to your oxygen sensors.

3. Reduced power

When it comes to exhaust systems and vehicle performance, the lesser the backpressure, the more the power. If exhaust gasses easily escape, your car will have more power. Restrictions in the exhaust system lead to backpressure, minimizing the exhaust system’s overall efficiency. A catalytic converter is the biggest culprit for this impact on your exhaust system.

While a catalytic converter usually lasts throughout your vehicle’s life, it might get clogged. This failure happens when the catalytic converter overheats, including when burnt fuel goes into the exhaust stream, impacting drivability in various ways, such as a severe power loss.

4. Holes in the exhaust system

If your exhaust pipes have leaks or holes, your exhaust pipe system’s performance will be affected. If you’re driving an older car, the issue may not be evident immediately, as older vehicles are usually slightly less efficient and noisier. If your exhaust system has a hole or a leak, it becomes more vulnerable and less efficient. If your exhaust pipes have holes, you’ll experience loud noises. You may also experience backfiring. This reduces engine performance and limits fuel economy. If the holes cannot be repaired, consider replacing the exhaust system.

5. Bad smells

Your exhaust system works to get exhaust fumes away from your car, and if you have a leak or any other problem, the fumes could leak into your vehicle. Over time, these fumes may become fatal. If you start smelling unusual odors, get the car checked immediately.