How Do You Know If Your Exhaust System Is Bad?

If you’re starting to worry about the muffler on your vehicle, you may also be wondering how do you know if your exhaust system is bad.  Is your vehicle losing power even when accelerating?  Does your muffler sound like a roaring lion?  There could be other indicators of a failing exhaust system, such as the “check engine” light starting to flash while driving down the road.  These are all signs that could indicate a leak is developing in your car’s muffler and exhaust system.

How do you know if your exhaust system is bad?  Here are five common, and obvious, indicators of issues in the exhaust system:

1. What do you hear?  Listen to your vehicle.  Thumping, clunking, or rattling noises are signs of a damaged muffler or a leaking exhaust.
2. What do you see?  Take a look at the muffler.  This should be done by an expert mechanic as it could require putting your car on a lift to look for holes and rust on the muffler. 
3. What is the temperature of your car?  High engine temperatures and loss of power is often caused by damage to the muffler or other parts of the exhaust system. 
4. How often do you fill the tank?  Exhaust leakages affect the oxygen sensors in the engine so that the amount of exhaust actually in the system is not measured correctly, resulting in lower fuel efficiency.
5. What do you smell?  A leaky exhaust system allows toxic fumes and gasses to enter the car, creating a risky situation. 

Looking for quality muffler repair? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about how do you know if your exhaust system is bad and to request an appointment. our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.