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What Does a Clogged Exhaust System Do?

A clogged or leaking exhaust system can cause all kinds of problems. United Auto Care is going to list the common problems exhaust systems face below so you know what to look for in your car, truck, or utility vehicle. Aside from clogs and leaks, exhaust system parts can also get damaged and need to be replaced. One such part is the catalytic converter which usually needs to be replaced every 10 years.

Power Loss

If your exhaust system is clogged or the catalytic converter has gone bad, your engine will lose power, especially when you try to accelerate. This power loss is being caused by exhaust backing up into the combustion chamber. Generally, the exhaust system removes the exhaust from the chamber so fresh air and fuel can be fired for engine combustion.

Economy Loss

Unfortunately, the clogged exhaust system can also cause a reduction in your vehicle’s fuel economy. This is because the engine is struggling to run efficiently with the combustion chamber filled with exhaust. You will also lose power and fuel economy if the exhaust system is leaking. When this happens, the engine fills with exhaust gases that affect its power.

Gas Smells

You may smell these gases in your vehicle’s passenger cabin. If you do, we cannot stress enough how important it is that you don’t drive your automobile. Driving your vehicle while inhaling its exhaust can give you carbon monoxide poisoning. If you can smell gasoline or diesel fuel when you are driving your vehicle, pull over and call for a tow to our shop.

Bad Tailpipe

The tailpipe can also get clogged with carbon buildup if you drive an older automobile. Aside from clogs, the tailpipe can leak if it gets damaged while you are driving. Road debris can punch a hole in the tailpipe and cause it to leak. You can also hit the tailpipe on the ground if you drive too fast over bumps and cause it to hang too low.

Burning Odors

Burning odors coming from the engine are a sign of an exhaust system leak rather than a clogged exhaust system. In this case, the most likely culprit is a leaking exhaust manifold gasket. When the gasket starts to leak, hot exhaust is released into the engine and it melts neighboring parts that are made of susceptible materials such as plastic or rubber.

Loud Engine

Finally, one exhaust system problem that is related to leaks is a loud engine that is no longer muffled by the muffler. This can happen if the muffler ends up with a hole in it.

United Auto Care in Flowery Branch, GA, is more than happy to inspect your vehicle’s exhaust system if you suspect there is a problem. Call us today.

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