Are you noticing loud noises coming from your muffler, or is your car starting to idle rough or the motor dies at a stop light? Maybe the "check engine" light flicks on and off or stays illuminated. These are common problems in vehicles that have a leak in the exhaust system. Your exhaust system may need some help from an auto repair technician.
If you have the right tools and a little assistance, you may be able to determine if there is a leak in your vehicle's exhaust system and also pinpoint the location and source yourself. By following the advice below, you can save valuable time and money spent in an auto shop:
- First, before touching anything, make sure the car is cool while you look under the hood. Especially because metal expands as it heats up, any small leaks will get smaller, making them difficult to detect.
- To force the exhaust through any possible leak, cover the muffler temporarily. Starting at the engine, follow the exhaust system, feeling for hot air escaping through the pipe, especially at the connectors as these areas commonly have leaks. The muffler will get hot, so be careful not to touch it.
- Remove the plastic engine cover in order to inspect the exhaust manifold for cracking or warping. This is a common problem typically found in older cars.
- Check the gaskets for cracking. You may feel hot air escaping as well as a strong smell of fumes. In older cars, it is common for the gasket connecting the manifold to the cylinder head to crack just through normal wear and tear.
- Check the muffler for rust. If it is just on the surface, or if it goes all the way through the metal. Leaks can occur in areas weakened by rust.
Of course, make sure to have your auto repair technician inspect the exhaust system if you're not comfortable conducting these tests yourself. Most auto shops will run diagnostic tests free of charge in order to recommend the appropriate repair service.
Got a noisy muffler? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information about exhaust system maintenance. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
Are you noticing loud noises coming from your muffler, or is your car starting to idle rough or the motor dies at a stop light? Maybe the "check engine" light flicks on and off or stays illuminated. These are common problems in vehicles that have a leak in the exhaust system. Your exhaust system may need some help from an auto repair technician.
If you have the right tools and a little assistance, you may be able to determine if there is a leak in your vehicle's exhaust system and also pinpoint the location and source yourself. By following the advice below, you can save valuable time and money spent in an auto shop:
- First, before touching anything, make sure the car is cool while you look under the hood. Especially because metal expands as it heats up, any small leaks will get smaller, making them difficult to detect.
- To force the exhaust through any possible leak, cover the muffler temporarily. Starting at the engine, follow the exhaust system, feeling for hot air escaping through the pipe, especially at the connectors as these areas commonly have leaks. The muffler will get hot, so be careful not to touch it.
- Remove the plastic engine cover in order to inspect the exhaust manifold for cracking or warping. This is a common problem typically found in older cars.
- Check the gaskets for cracking. You may feel hot air escaping as well as a strong smell of fumes. In older cars, it is common for the gasket connecting the manifold to the cylinder head to crack just through normal wear and tear.
- Check the muffler for rust. If it is just on the surface, or if it goes all the way through the metal. Leaks can occur in areas weakened by rust.
Of course, make sure to have your auto repair technician inspect the exhaust system if you're not comfortable conducting these tests yourself. Most auto shops will run diagnostic tests free of charge in order to recommend the appropriate repair service.
Got a noisy muffler? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information about exhaust system maintenance. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
