5 Signs Something Is Wrong With Your Car Exhaust System

Posted May 19, 2023

As a driver, keeping your vehicle in good shape is critical. According to Brandon Gaille, 16,000 auto repair shops across the country are worth an estimated $880 billion annually. If you’re having car problems, here are five signs that you must visit an auto repair shop for exhaust repairs.

1. Check Engine Light

Looking for lights on your dashboard is one of the easiest ways to figure out if you’ve got a problem with your vehicle. A check engine light simply means that you’ve got a problem with your car, and you can figure out what’s wrong by taking it to a mechanic to pull a code.

2. Strange Smells

You might notice a strange odor if your exhaust is having problems. Your exhaust system is designed to get rid of the exhaust that’s produced during the combustion process, but it doesn’t always do a good job of that. If you’ve got an exhaust leak, you may notice an exhaust smell when driving.

3. Performance Problems

It’s not uncommon for exhaust issues to lead to performance problems. If you notice a sudden drop in fuel economy, your exhaust could be the root of the problem. Reduced gas mileage is always a good reason to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop.

4. Vibrating

If your exhaust system isn’t properly attached to the underside of your vehicle, you might notice a vibrating feeling when you drive. This is a common result of exhaust system problems, occurring when part of the exhaust comes loose.

5. Scraping or Rattling Noise

Noises are one of the best ways to diagnose car problems, and the scraping or rattling noise you hear when you drive could very well be an exhaust system issue. If your exhaust system isn’t properly secured, it may scrape or rattle as it moves around. Depending on the severity of the problem, you might even end up losing part of your exhaust system while driving.

It’s your job to keep an eye on your vehicle as a driver. When you notice a problem, you can take your car to an auto repair shop and figure out what’s wrong. If you’ve got an exhaust problem, give AM-PM Automotive a call to schedule a service.