When to Replace Exhaust Systems

Why is My Mechanic Requiring Exhaust System Replacement?

Service Needed

Finding out that your vehicle needs a new exhaust system can come as a shock; your mind races as dollar signs fill your head and you wonder why your service provider is requiring the exhaust system to be replaced. 

Your exhaust system not only controls harmful emissions but helps maintain the safe operation of your vehicle. It is important to remember that keeping your vehicle performing at a high level is a top concern of your service provider. Read on to learn about the wear factors that could cause your service provider to mandate exhaust system replacement.

Areas That Can Experience Wear

Wear defects requiring vehicle exhaust system replacement include:

• Pipe leaks – Leaks in the exhaust system can effect fuel economy and create an excessively noisy system. A more serious problem is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
  
  
  • Corrosion hole – The product of wear & tear and road conditions, a corrosion hole can lead to dangerous gases leaking into the cabin of the vehicle and into the atmosphere.
    
    
  • Puncture (other than a drain hole) – Rocks, potholes and other road debris can cause punctures in the exhaust system that can lead to excessive noise and dangerous gases leaking.
    
    
  • Open or split seams – Cracks in the seams of the exhaust system can cause dangerous gas leaks, excessive noise and increased emissions.
    
    
  • Flexible couplers leaking – Leaks in the flexible coupler can cause excessive noise, decreased engine performance and leaking of dangerous gases.
     
• Distorted body shell – Misshapen muffler shell and piping can affect the performance and/or structural integrity of exhaust system components.
  
  
• Missing components – Missing parts can create leaks and diminish the performance of the exhaust system, leading to problems like reduced gas mileage and increased emissions.
  
  
• Cracked or broken mounting brackets – Failing mounting brackets can lead to key components coming loose and, in extreme cases, falling off the vehicle.
  
  
• Rattling or knocking noise from muffler – Rattles or knocking coming from the muffler could be a sign that an internal weld has broken and could affect the flow, tone and performance of the muffler.
   

Converter restriction– A clogged or restricted catalytic converter can cause decreased or sluggish engine performance and increased emissions out of the tailpipe.  

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The content contained in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of seeking professional advice from a certified technician or mechanic. We encourage you to consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered herein. Under no circumstances will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.