Exhaust System Leaking? 5 Tips to check out your Muffler!

Jun,

2013

There are three main indications that your vehicle may have a leak in the exhaust system;

Your vehicle's check engine light stays illuminated'
The motor is running poorly; or
Loud noises coming from the muffler.

To save you time and money spent in an auto shop, you may be able to determine if there is a leak in your vehicle's exhaust system, and also pinpoint the location and source of the leak.

Before you call your mechanic, here are 5 suggestions to help you find a possible leak:

Keep the car cool while you search. Because metal expands as it heats up, small leaks get smaller, making them difficult to detect.
Temporarily cover the muffler to force the exhaust through any leaks. Start at the engine and follow the exhaust system all the way to the end, feeling for leaks (hot air escaping through the pipe), especially at the connectors, as these areas commonly have leaks. The muffler will get hot, so be careful not to touch it.
Remove the plastic engine cover to expose the exhaust system and the engine to inspect the exhaust manifold for cracking or warping. This problem is quite common, especially with older cars.
Check the gaskets for cracking, another common cause of leaks. If there is a leak, you may feel hot air escaping as well as a strong smell of fumes. In older cars, it is common for the gasket connecting the manifold to the cylinder head to crack just through normal use.
If you see rust on the pipes or muffler, check whether it is just on the surface, or if it goes all the way through. Areas weakened by rust often cause leaks.

Following your personal inspection, have an auto mechanic take a look. Most auto shops will run tests free of charge and then recommend the appropriate service.

Need an exhaust system inspection? Contact our ASE-certified technicians at Rebel Automotive or go online to https://www.rebel-auto.com for more information. We will be pleased to take care of your vehicle and provide you with honest and professional automotive service. Our auto repair shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.

There are three main indications that your vehicle may have a leak in the exhaust system;

Your vehicle's check engine light stays illuminated'
The motor is running poorly; or
Loud noises coming from the muffler.

To save you time and money spent in an auto shop, you may be able to determine if there is a leak in your vehicle's exhaust system, and also pinpoint the location and source of the leak.

Before you call your mechanic, here are 5 suggestions to help you find a possible leak:

Keep the car cool while you search. Because metal expands as it heats up, small leaks get smaller, making them difficult to detect.
Temporarily cover the muffler to force the exhaust through any leaks. Start at the engine and follow the exhaust system all the way to the end, feeling for leaks (hot air escaping through the pipe), especially at the connectors, as these areas commonly have leaks. The muffler will get hot, so be careful not to touch it.
Remove the plastic engine cover to expose the exhaust system and the engine to inspect the exhaust manifold for cracking or warping. This problem is quite common, especially with older cars.
Check the gaskets for cracking, another common cause of leaks. If there is a leak, you may feel hot air escaping as well as a strong smell of fumes. In older cars, it is common for the gasket connecting the manifold to the cylinder head to crack just through normal use.
If you see rust on the pipes or muffler, check whether it is just on the surface, or if it goes all the way through. Areas weakened by rust often cause leaks.

Following your personal inspection, have an auto mechanic take a look. Most auto shops will run tests free of charge and then recommend the appropriate service.