The team here at CA Cars has put together this handy article explaining some reasons why your car’s exhaust might be leaking.
Exhaust leak symptoms
Some of the most common signs that your exhaust might be leaking include:
- Loud noises - Loud or strange noises coming from the engine could indicate a leak. This may include hissing, popping or rumbling sounds.
- Reduced fuel efficiency - Your engine will need to work harder if the exhaust is leaking. This means you might notice you are using more fuel and having to top up more regularly.
- Vibrations or rattling - If you notice that your vehicle or its pedals are vibrating unusually, it could be down to a leak.
- Loss of power - A leak can make your car feel like it doesn’t have the usual power when accelerating.
- Unusual smell inside the car - Smelling gas fumes inside the vehicle can be a sign of an exhaust leak.
Why is my car exhaust leaking?
There are a wide range of reasons why your car’s exhaust might be leaking. This includes:
- Rust and corrosion - Exhaust systems are exposed to all kinds of elements, including moisture, road debris and hot conditions. Over time, this can cause rust, which weakens the pipes and causes leaks.
- Exhaust cracks - Constant heating and cooling can cause damage to the metal of your exhaust. This may lead to cracks, which in turn will cause a leak.
- Damage from potholes - Driving over potholes or speed bumps can cause physical damage to the exhaust of your car, which can then lead to leaks.
- Failed gaskets - Gaskets play an important role in sealing connections between the exhaust’s components. When they wear out, leaks can start to occur in the joints.
- Broken bolts - Loose bolts or other components can cause damage to the exhaust, which will allow leaks to occur.
What to do if my car’s exhaust is leaking
If you suspect an issue with your car’s exhaust, you should take the following action:
- Stop the car in a safe place - If you’re driving when you notice the problem, first pull over in a safe place.
- Inspect the exhaust - Look under the car for any signs of rust or corrosion. This may give you an indication of why the exhaust is leaking.
- Avoid prolonged driving - Continuing to drive your car can make the car exhaust leak worse and may risk the safety of you and your learner drivers.
- Use a temporary fix if necessary - Sometimes, you can address the issue yourself using putty or tape that you can get from your local hardware shop. However, you should only attempt this if the issue is not serious.
- Arrange professional repairs - Getting a professional mechanic to repair the issue is always preferable to trying to do it yourself.
- Prioritise safety over convenience - Losing access to your car is annoying, but safety should always be prioritised. If you become aware of any fumes entering the vehicle, stop using it immediately, as you could be inhaling dangerous carbon monoxide.
While minor problems can be fixed quickly, reliability is everything when it comes to your driving instructor car. With this in mind, if yours is beyond repair, the team here at CA Cars can help with our wide range of driver instructor cars that you can buy or lease.
With new and used cars to choose from, including electric models, we’ll always have the perfect fit for you and your business. For more information, contact our expert team today.
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