If you just ran over a huge bump in your engine suddenly got loud, you may have punched a hole in your muffler. The muffler is part of your vehicle’s exhaust system. The exhaust system plays the crucial role of removing the exhaust out of the combustion chamber so combustion can continue. York Tire & Auto Service lists the signs of exhaust system problems below, one of which is a loud engine.
A Ton of Noise
When we say loud, we mean loud. You’ve probably heard cars without mufflers before or vehicles with tricked-out mufflers and you can hear them a mile away. If your vehicle has gotten this loud, there is a problem with your muffler. There may also be a problem with the exhaust manifold, as this part, too, muffles the engine and exhaust noise.
Acceleration/Power Lag
If your vehicle’s exhaust is not being cleared out of the combustion chamber, you will lose power when you accelerate and as you drive. This is because the exhaust is preventing engine combustion from moving forward. In other words, it’s not clearing out the space needed for fresh air and fuel to be ignited to create engine combustion.
Burning Engine Odors
If your exhaust manifold is leaking, you will not only have a much louder engine but you will also smell burning odors coming from the engine. Engine exhaust is scalding. If it is leaking out of the exhaust manifold, it will melt anything that is plastic or rubber next to it. Consequently, a sign of an exhaust system leak is the smell of hot plastic or wires coming from your engine.
Gas/Diesel Fuel Odors
Aside from keeping the engine combustion going, another role your vehicle’s exhaust system plays is to route today exhaust away from you so that you don’t inhale it. If you have gasoline or diesel fuel odors in your vehicle’s cabin, it’s possible that your exhaust system is leaking. Stop driving your automobile, as you may be inhaling carbon monoxide.
Poor Gas Mileage
If the exhaust system is not working efficiently, your engine will not run inefficiently. Consequently, you will see a reduction in your vehicle’s gas mileage. Things are tight right now for a lot of people, and the last thing you need is to find yourself filling up your car more than usual. Poor gas mileage can be a sign of vehicle exhaust problems.
Tailpipe Damage
Finally, you may be able to see your exhaust system problems yourself. It’s a good idea to inspect your vehicle’s tailpipe or tailpipes on a regular basis to make sure they look okay. If they look like they have pits on them or tiny holes, they need to be replaced. Also, make sure that your tailpipe is properly affixed underneath your automobile and not hanging.
If you suspect that your vehicle has an exhaust system problem, call York Tire & Auto Service in Red Lion, PA, today.
