It’s easy to forget about your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s exhaust system until it starts to give you problems. Padron Automotive can inspect your exhaust system if you notice any of the following symptoms of a clogged or leaking exhaust system.
Hot Plastic Odors
Burning odors in the engine can be an indication that the exhaust manifold gasket is leaking. Specifically, the odors will smell like burning plastic or rubber. This is a sign that parts of these materials are being melted by scorching hot exhaust. As the exhaust leaks out of the manifold gasket, it comes in contact with surrounding engine parts that are susceptible to failure when overheated.
Gasoline Odors
You may also smell gasoline or diesel fuel odors in the passenger cabin if your exhaust system is leaking or clogged. You don’t need us to tell you that is dangerous to drive your automobile with exhaust in the cabin. You could be inhaling carbon monoxide, which is fatal. Rather than drive to our shop, have your vehicle towed to our shop if you can smell fuel odors inside the cabin when you are driving the automobile.
Engine Power Loss
Unfortunately, whether leaking or clogged, your engine will suffer if your vehicle has an exhaust system problem. Specifically, the engine will lose power when you are driving at high speeds and the acceleration will lag when you press down on the accelerator. This is an indication that the combustion chamber has too much exhaust in it that is preventing engine combustion.
Loud Engine Noise
An engine that is extremely loud has a faulty muffler. As mufflers age, they can get holes in them that prevent them from muffling the engine noise. This noise is not only annoying but also illegal. If you are driving with an engine that is too loud, you may be pulled over for a moving violation.
Reduced Fuel Efficiency
Another sign that your exhaust system is having problems is if you notice a reduction in your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. This reduction is caused by the engine running inefficiently because the combustion chamber is stuffed with exhaust. Fixes to the exhaust system can restore your fuel economy.
Damaged Tailpipe
Finally, as an aside, a damaged tailpipe is also an exhaust system problem. Because the tailpipe constantly gets pelted with road debris, it can end up with holes in it or it can be dented.
Padron Automotive in Topeka, KS, can repair your exhaust system. Call us today.
