Exhaust repair is a relatively common type of mechanic repair. Standard mufflers last an average of three to five years, but you must perform regular maintenance to extend the lifespan as much as possible.

Depending on the severity of the issue, you may consider replacing the entire exhaust system. However, a repair can enhance the pipe’s life, improve gas mileage, and boost efficiency.

 

What Is the Exhaust System, and How Does It Work?

Your exhaust system works to remove toxic gases from your engine away from the cab, and you can locate it underneath the vehicle’s back end. It also silences the sound of the exhaust and improves engine function and fuel consumption.

The exhaust has several small pieces working together. Some of the parts of your exhaust are as follows:

• Exhaust manifold
• Catalytic converter
• Muffler
• Clamps
• Filters

These parts are only some of the many pieces that help direct exhaust fumes away from the vehicle passengers. All of these parts experience accelerated wear and tear and require repairs or replacements throughout the life of the vehicle.

Signs of Damaged Exhaust Pipes

Immediately after noticing the following signs, take your car to our team at Performance Muffler. Driving with a damaged exhaust is dangerous to the environment, your health, and the vehicle’s performance. For maximum efficiency, have our mechanics regularly inspect your vehicle for problems.

Loud Sounds from the Engine

Unusual sounds are often a symptom of an exhaust leak. Always pay attention to your engine’s noises, and don’t hesitate to contact our team if anything sounds off or strange.

Vibrations

Request an inspection if you feel vibrating underneath your feet or from the gas pedal while driving. Any part of the exhaust system can fail, causing vibrations, fumes, and more. Waiting to fix the issue will cause further problems.

Higher Fuel Consumption

Has your car recently required more gas than normal? You may have an exhaust leak. When your exhaust needs fixing, your engine must work harder to maintain the same level of performance.

How to Fix an Exhaust System

It’s best to go to a mechanic for your exhaust repair, but sometimes you can do it yourself. The following explains the steps you’ll need to take to inspect, diagnose, and eliminate the problems.

1: Inspect the Vehicle

The second you experience a problem, you must inspect your car’s exhaust system. To do so, follow these steps:

• Park your car on an even, stable surface such as concrete.
• Let your exhaust system cool — it is unsafe to perform inspections or repairs while the engine is hot.
• Jack up the vehicle. You need to fit underneath the car and comfortably inspect the exhaust pipes.
• Inspect for leaks. If you are unsure what to look for, check for rust, holes, scrapes, and cracks.

If necessary, turn on the engine while the car stays jacked up to find the leaks.

2: Decide How to Fix the Issue

You must determine the extent of the damage. If the system contains severe rust, you may need to replace the entire exhaust. If you choose to repair it, consider the following options:

• Use exhaust tape or epoxy to contain small leaks
• Replace the damaged portion

3: Clean the Damaged Area

Scrub the problem area thoroughly and remove all rust, grime, and debris traces using a metal wire brush. Afterward, use sandpaper to remove the final traces, which will encourage the tape or epoxy to adhere to the surface better.

To finish, wipe down the area with acetone.

4: Tape or Epoxy the Leak

To tape the area, read the tape’s instructions, as different brands require different techniques. Ensure you completely tape the pipe all the way around and cover at least a few inches on either side of the damaged area.

This step ensures the tape remains in place while you operate your vehicle.

To epoxy, the area, mix the components right before applying and cover the leak with a thick layer of epoxy. Epoxy cures quickly, so don’t wait.

Some choose to use epoxy and tape to eliminate the problem.

 

 

Can a broken exhaust pipe be welded?

Yes, sometimes the Exhaust Pipe can be welded in the areas that are rusting out. Access how much rust is on the Exhaust Pipe, sometimes you can weld the area. The welds joining the pipes to mufflers are done with a mild steel welding wire, they are not resistant to corrosion.

Can a broken exhaust damage your engine?

Along with being dangerous to you and your passengers, it can also affect the performance of your car. If the exhaust is leaking, that also means the engine's performance is messed up. It can negatively impact the power and even lower your fuel economy

Can you patch up an exhaust pipe?

Small cracks or pinholes can be sealed using just epoxy or exhaust tape, but larger holes will need a patch. If the leak is a thin crack or small hole, you can proceed without purchasing or making a patch to help. If the hole is larger, you will need a patch as well as epoxy.