4 Symptoms Of Exhaust Problems With Your Car
If you are like most people, your car is an incredibly important facet of your life. Most of us rely on our cars to get us from point A to point B, and everywhere in between on a daily basis, and as such an important aspect of our lives, it is always in our best interests to keep our cars running as effectively and efficiently as possible at all times. Exhaust problems aren't usually something that crosses most vehicle owners' minds when they are thinking of things that can go wrong with their vehicle, but you might be surprised at just how much exhaust issues can affect the overall performance and efficiency of your vehicle, and the kinds of problems they can lead to. In an effort to help our customers better identify when their car might be experiencing exhaust issues, our team of professional New Jersey mechanics have taken the time to put together this short list containing some of the more common symptoms you can be on the lookout for that might indicate when your exhaust system isn't functioning like it should.
Overly Noisy Engine
While there are plenty of cars out there that have louder engines, it is important to take stock every once in a while as to whether your engine noise is getting louder than usual, or if it is remaining largely the same. If it seems like your engine is excessively noisy lately, it could mean that you have a faulty exhaust manifold gasket, which can cause sounds like hissing or tapping if you listen closely. This sound will be especially loud when you cold start your car or accelerate.
Decreased Power & Acceleration
Another unfortunate side effect of exhaust issues is the loss of performance you will get from your engine. You might notice that your car isn't accelerating as quickly as it once did, and this problem will only get worse if you don't take care of the exhaust leak that is likely causing it.
Lower Fuel Efficiency
It's no secret that gas is expensive these days, and if you have issues with your exhaust system, you might find yourself having to fill up that much more often than you would otherwise. As your car's power and acceleration decrease, so too will your car's fuel efficiency. While filling up more often might not seem like that much, it is definitely going to add up over time, and eventually, you will have been better off just putting down the money for the repairs as opposed to waiting it out.
Hanging Exhaust Pipe
While this one might seem obvious, there are many vehicle owners out there who don't see this as a serious issue. If your exhaust pipe is hanging or dragging on the ground, it goes without saying that you should attempt to have it fixed as soon as possible. A dragging exhaust pipe is not only a danger to yourself and your car, but if it were to fall off while driving, you could be held responsible for any damage it causes to someone else's vehicle or person.