Your exhaust pipe is one of your car’s most essential components. Driving with a leaking exhaust pipe is illegal and dangerous for you and for others. Yet inspecting the exhaust pipe for leaks is not something most car owners do on a regular basis. Exhaust issues can sneak up on you in the form of problems with no specific causes: a faint exhaust smell when you wind the windows down or a decrease in fuel efficiency. If you suspect there’s an issue with this vital part of your vehicle, you may be wondering how to check for an exhaust leak.
MST Mechanical are mechanics in Brisbane with state-of-the art equipment, competitive pricing and Euro specialist expertise. With genuine and OEM-quality replacement parts, our car repairs in Brisbane help your vehicle stay reliable and keep you safe on the road.
Here is the MST Mechanical guide to how to check for an exhaust leak so you can uncover problems early and address them effectively.
What is an exhaust leak?
An exhaust leak is a defect such as a hole in your vehicle’s exhaust system that sends exhaust fumes into your cabin instead of out through the tailpipe. A leak can form anywhere in your exhaust system including the tailpipe itself, the exhaust manifold, the valve or piston, the catalytic converter or the muffler.
As you might expect, an exhaust leak is a major problem. Vehicle exhaust is a dangerous toxin that can be lethal in a confined environment, and breathing it in hinders your ability to drive safely and causes health risks. Knowing how to check for an exhaust leak can save you a lot of problems down the line.
Common signs your vehicle has an exhaust leak
An exhaust leak can cause a number of issues. Unfortunately most of them can also be symptoms of other causes, which makes knowing how to check for an exhaust leak confusing sometimes. Here are some of the most common tell-tale signs of a leak in this vital component:
Engine noise
When your exhaust is leaking it can cause all kinds of alarming sounds from loud rumbles to popping and hissing noises.
Loss of acceleration
A leaking exhaust can impact the performance of your engine to the point that it takes far longer than normal for you to accelerate.
Worsening fuel efficiency
A leaking exhaust can significantly lower the fuel economy of your vehicle, causing you to make more frequent trips to (and spend more money at) the petrol pump. It can also reduce your car’s air to fuel ratio, causing it to run less efficiently.
Rattling accelerator
If you notice the pedal vibrating under your foot when you accelerate, that rattling sensation can be a sign of your exhaust leaking.
Strange smells inside the vehicle
A strange odour in the cabin of your car, especially one that smells like petrol or exhaust, is often a sign of a dangerous leak.
How to check for an exhaust leak
If you’ve noticed any of the above signs, the next step is to safely inspect your exhaust system. You should always check the engine is cool before touching any parts and work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area to avoid breathing in fumes. Here’s a quick guide to how to check for an exhaust leak:
Check for visual damage
Using a flashlight, check your vehicle’s exhaust manifold, pipes, muffler and catalytic converter for cracks, holes, rust, corrosion or soot.
Listen to your exhaust
Start your engine and listen to the sounds of your exhaust system. Listen for unusual sounds, especially hissing noises, which are a common hallmark of exhaust leaks.
Run simple tests
There are a few simple but effective tests you can do to check your exhaust pipe for leaks. The soap and water test involves spraying a soap solution on suspected leak areas. Bubbles will form on the places that gas escapes from. Holding a soapy rag near the joints of the exhaust accomplishes the same thing.
If you’re still not sure, booking an appointment with a mechanic in Brisbane will help you determine if it’s a leak in your exhaust or a different issue entirely causing your car problems.
MST Mechanical: car inspections and repairs in South Brisbane
MST Mechanical carries out all kinds of car repairs in Brisbane including engine reconditioning, gearbox and clutch replacement and exhaust leak repair.
From our fully equipped workshop, our Brisbane mechanics draw on expert knowledge, advanced diagnostic tools and genuine or equivalent quality parts. We specialise in a wide range of vehicles including European models and provide premium care with transparent pricing.
To fix your exhaust pipe and restore the safety of your vehicle, get in touch with MST Mechanical online or pay a visit to our workshop at 1240 Beaudesert Road, Acacia Ridge.
