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henderson, auckland

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How to identify car exhaust issues

Exhaust Henderson – How to identify car exhaust issues, that is the question.  Exhaust systems in cars cool the engine and keeps the environment safe from harmful gases. Even in small doses carbon monoxide can be very harmful.

 

The exhaust system on your vehicle is probably more significant than you would think. Besides reducing the noise created by your engine, the exhaust system directs harmful gases away from the cabin, helps cool down the engine, and most importantly, cleans the air before exiting the tailpipe. Identifying exhaust issues early on will keep you safe and keep your wallet full.

 

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that is present in exhaust fumes. Inhaling carbon monoxide, even in small doses, can be very harmful to your health. It can cause headaches and dizziness, and in extreme cases can lead to unconsciousness. Obviously, if this is the case, then you should take the car in to get inspected and repaired as soon as possible.

 

Identify exhaust issues

 

Listen for odd sounds.

The muffler is full of baffles and if this break or fail, the sound of the engine won’t be dampened quite as much.

 

Any rattling or thumping is not normal either. Some vehicles have baffles that can open and close to make the car louder or quieter. Over time the linkages that hold the door can break or become loose causing a rattling noise.

 

Rattling sounds can come from a few places. As catalytic converters start to age, the interior will begin to degrade, and all the small pieces will rattle around as you drive. This same thing can happen with the baffles inside the muffler.

 

A heavier thump typically indicates the mounting may be loose or damaged. The exhaust system is held up with metal and rubber brackets. Over time the rubber gets brittle and falls apart.

 

Identifying this early is very important because it can mean the difference between replacing a small piece of rubber or a whole piece of exhaust. If the mount fails, the exhaust pipes can fall or rattle around and dent while you are driving.

 

Use your nose.

While carbon monoxide is odourless, the other gases coming out of the tailpipe aren’t.

 

If you notice any exhaust smell in the cabin, there is probably a leak somewhere. As mentioned, the carbon monoxide in the exhaust fumes can be very harmful.

 

Look for signs while driving the car.

There are a few things you can look for while driving the vehicle.

 

Loss of performance and reduced gas mileage are common with blocked off exhausts. If the engine must work harder pushing the exhaust out of the cylinder, it has less power to give to the wheels.

 

A blocked off exhaust can also cause the car to run hotter than normal. Exhaust gas is very hot as it leaves the cylinder and any blockage will restrict the airflow, keeping the heat closer to the engine.

 

Drive in today and one of our experts will check the exhaust for you – or give us a call on 09 837 1723

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