Do I need a new exhaust?
Your car’s exhaust won’t last forever and will need replacing at some point. Some of the warning signs you may need a new exhaust include:
- Louder-than-normal engine noise.
- Visible exhaust damage.
- Reduced fuel economy.
In this guide, we’ll outline the main signs that your car exhaust may need replacing, along with helpful tips on how to choose the right replacement exhaust for your vehicle.
we’re going to share information on the main signs that your car exhaust may need replacing. We’ll also provide some helpful tips on how to find the right replacement exhaust for your car.
Worried about your car’s exhaust? Book a Free Exhaust Check
How does the exhaust system work?
Your car’s exhaust works hard to protect you and other road users everyone from harmful fumes and emissions. It also reduces engine noise, improves performance and increases helps maintain fuel efficiency.
There are several parts to the exhaust system, linking the box at the back of the car to the engine, including:
- The exhaust manifold
- Catalytic converter
- Exhaust sensors
- silencer
- exhaust pipe
Every part of the exhaust system must be functioning properly for the exhaust to work as intended. it work perfectly. A failure in any component can cause the whole system to fail.
How the exhaust system works
Here’s how your car’s exhaust system works. When you’re driving, the exhaust system’s manifold collects harmful gases produced when the engine burns fuel and carries them to the catalytic converter. The catalytic convertoer removes any pollutants such as carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons. environmental nasties from the fumes, including carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
The gas is then pushed through a silencer, that which reduces noise levels, before being pushed safely out of the tailpipe.
Modern, fuel-injected cars have sophisticated oxygen sensors that measure the ratio of oxygen to harmful gases at the tailpipe. This information is fed back to your car’s computer and relayed to you if there’s a problem.
How long should a car exhaust last?
Your exhaust system should last for many thousands of miles. Modern car exhausts are typically made from either chrome-plated or stainless steel materials, which means they can often last for the lifetime of the vehicle unless they become damaged. and should last for the lifetime of the car (unless they’re damaged). High quality, non-stainless-steel exhausts should last for around five years.
Exactly how long your car exhaust lasts depends on several factors, including: is impacted by your driving style, how many miles you drive and your vehicle make and model.
- Your driving style.
- Your annual mileage.
- Your vehicle’s make and model.
3 warning signs that you might need a new exhaust
Your car exhaust plays a crucial role in performance, safety, and emissions. how your car performs and it’s important you ensure it’s working safely. The condition of your exhaust and emissions levels will be checked at your MOT, but learning how to spot the signs can enable you to take early action.
1. Engine noise getting louder
Is your engine noise becoming noticeably getting louder? It could be a sign that the exhaust silencer is deteriorating or damaged. The exhaust silencer reduces the rumbling noises produced by the engine, so when it fails, noise increases both inside and outside the car. and can deteriorate over time or become damaged. If this happens, engine noise will become louder inside the car, and outside it too. If you’re hearing a rattling sound, your catalytic convertor could be loose or needs to be repaired. A rattling sound could indicate a loose or damaged catalytic converter. Catalytic converters are fragile and can crack or split from driving over obstacles, such as on the road (or off it), including speed bumps, uneven roads and rocky surfaces roads.
2. Rust and damage:
Your exhaust deals with hot fumes each time you drive and can become rusted or corroded. You can check the exhaust for any wear, tear or damage by looking at it underneath the tailpipe and backbox from the rear of the car. From the back of the car, you can look underneath the tailpipe and backbox to spot any damage. If you spot see and rust, cracks or splits, be sure to get it checked out.
3. Filling up more often:
A leaky exhaust will affect its ability to transport fumes, leaving your engine to operate at a higher temperature. The hotter the engine, the less efficient it is, and the more fuel it will burn. If you find you’re filling up more often, your exhaust system could be the cause. it could be your car’s exhaust system that’s the problem.
How can I spot any issues with my exhaust?
The warning signs of a damaged car exhaust are often noticeable should be obvious, but even experienced drivers can sometimes continue driving with an exhaust that’s already failing. drive with an exhaust that’s on its way out.
Regular Car Servicing and maintenance can ensure your vehicle’s exhaust system continues to function perfectly. During an MOT or car service, our trained technicians will check each part of your car’s exhaust and let you know if they spot anything serious.
A damaged exhaust is an MOT failure, so be sure to get your exhaust checked out and repaired before booking it.
Get a free car exhaust check at Halfords garages Autocentres
If you think there’s suspect a problem with your exhaust system, but aren’t sure, Halfords can help. We offer all customers a Free Exhaust Check, where our engineering experts will check out the condition of your exhaust to and identify any faults and fixes. If work needs doing, we’ll provide a non-obligation quote to put it right.
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