Symptoms of an Exhaust Leak
Your vehicle’s exhaust system plays a number of important roles, from quieting engine noise to reducing the harmful emissions produced through combustion. The exhaust system relies on an airtight seal to properly funnel these gasses through each necessary component on its way to the tailpipe.
When exhaust gasses are able to exit the system early, this is known as an exhaust leak. Exhaust leaks can vary in severity depending on the location and size of the leak, but should always be taken seriously as they can lead to issues that affect the performance of your vehicle or potentially the health of you and your passengers.
How Do Exhaust Leaks Occur
Leaks within your exhaust system can develop for a number of reasons, from rust and corrosion to damage from impacts or loose hardware. Any situation that allows for exhaust fumes to exit the system prematurely can be considered an exhaust leak, no matter how large or small it may be.
Symptoms of Exhaust Leak
Depending on where the leak is located in your exhaust system, this issue can lead to a number of annoying or even dangerous symptoms in your vehicle. Some of the most notable include:
Increased Engine Noise
Possibly the most common, and also most harmless, issue to stem from a leak in your exhaust system is an increase in noise produced by your engine. Leaks don’t only allow for fumes to exit prematurely, but sound waves as well as they bypass the noise-mitigating components such as the muffler or resonator located further down the exhaust system.
The exact sounds and volume produced can vary based on where the leak is located. For example, a leak located prior to the catalytic converter will generally be much louder than one located in or around the muffler, since the sound is able to leak from the system earlier before reaching critical sound-deadening components.
Smaller leaks may produce a whistling or hissing, while larger ones can make your vehicle sound more like a tractor than your daily driver. Although a nagging noise may be something you can put up with, it’s important not to ignore these symptoms as it likely signals that you have a larger issue in your exhaust system, potentially one that could become harmful to you or your vehicle if left unaddressed.
Smell of Exhaust Fumes
Just as sound can exit the system early, so can the harmful and polluting fumes that our exhaust systems work so hard to mitigate. If the leak is located prior to the catalytic converters, the components responsible for removing harmful exhaust compounds, then it may allow for dangerous amounts of fumes to seep into the surrounding air or even your cabin.
If you notice the smell of exhaust fumes in or around your vehicle, you’re likely breathing in harmful compounds that could make you or your passengers sick. Exhaust leaks of this type are particularly dangerous
Check Engine Light
If the exhaust leak allows exhaust gasses to exit early and for outside air to take its place, it can completely disrupt the oxygen sensor readings that your engine control unit (ECU) uses to monitor and alter the air-fuel ratio.
When your ECU realizes the readings don’t make much sense, it will likely cause a check engine light to appear warning you of the discrepancy.
Reduced Performance/Efficiency
Similar to the check engine light, an improper oxygen reading can cause the engine to run inefficiently, reducing the power and acceleration of your vehicle while dramatically reducing the fuel economy since the engine has to work harder to move the vehicle.
Exhaust Services in Austin, Texas
If you’re experiencing issues with your exhaust or emissions system, such as a leak, trust the experts at Edgestone Automotive in Austin, Texas to inspect, diagnose, and repair the source of your problems. Give us a call or schedule online with us today to secure an appointment with our friendly and knowledgeable team!