4 Signs You May Have an Exhaust Leak

Exhaust: Why a Little Leak is a Big Deal

Chances are you don't pay much attention to your exhaust system until something's broken, and you're not alone. Your exhaust components have the very important job of making the toxic gases from your engine less harmful before they get released into the environment from your vehicle, and although an exhaust leak doesn't seem like a big deal, having one can lead to odorless, dangerous fumes in the cabin and failed emissions inspections.

Since your exhaust system is underneath and at the end of your vehicle, it's easy to forget about. It also tends to be an often-neglected system until the issues become serious. Rather than putting off exhaust leaks until they become bigger, knowing how to diagnose a potential exhaust leak can help you keep your drivers safe and your vehicles in compliance. Walker Exhaust has identified these four signs of a possible exhaust leak:

1. Noise from the Engine

This is a common symptom that your exhaust system may have a leak. If you hear a loud rumbling noise while you're accelerating or intermittent popping or hissing when your engine is running, it's time to take your vehicle in for service.

2. Power and Acceleration Loss

In addition to affecting the exhaust gases that leave your vehicle, a leaking exhaust system can also affect your engine's performance. This could be a symptom of other part failures as well, but if it's an exhaust leak and you're noticing that your truck doesn't accelerate like it usually does, this will only become worse if the leak isn't addressed ASAP.

3. Lower Fuel Economy

Another way that an exhaust leak can affect your engine is through the fuel economy. The air-to-fuel ratio of your truck could be thrown off balance, which causes your engine to run less efficiently overall. This, in turn, could lead to more refueling stops and an increase in fuel costs when a leak is left unaddressed.

4. Smell of Gas

Although toxic exhaust fumes are odorless, the smell of gas in the cabin can also be a sign that there's a leak in the exhaust system. This is especially the case with a leaking exhaust pipe that allows gas fumes to permeate into the passenger cabin of the vehicle. Even if you're a person that enjoys the smell of gasoline, smelling while you're driving is a sure sign that something's amiss.

How to Prevent an Exhaust Leak

It's a good thing to know what you're listening for (and smelling for) with an exhaust leak, but how do they happen?

Check your system after driving on rough roads. We know you can't always control how often the potholes are filled in, but when you think about how close to the ground your exhaust system is, it makes sense why the bumps and jolts of a rough road would put holes in its structural components. If you've had an especially bumpy rough ride, it might be a good idea to pay special attention to your exhaust system afterward for any damage.

Watch for rust and corrosion damage. Rust and corrosion aren't always easy to spot underneath your vehicle, but these are prime incubators for exhaust leaks to develop. Being mindful about the way you wash road salt and chemicals from underneath your truck can help keep rust and corrosion at bay.

Keep an eye on exhaust security components. The clamps, hangers, rubber isolators, and more that are holding your exhaust system in place can become loose, damaged, or fall off completely during long hauls across rough terrain. If something from your exhaust system is dragging behind you or even threatening to, it's time to replace these small but essential components.

Inspect the exhaust system on a regular basis and replace parts when needed. This may seem obvious, but this is also going to be your best defense against major exhaust leaks and part failure. Whether you're eyeballing your own truck or taking it in for regular inspections, make sure your exhaust system gets the attention and care it needs by replacing mufflers, tailpipes, clamps, and other hardware during signs of early failure.

Putting in the time to check your exhaust system may seem like unnecessary effort but keeping drivers safe and vehicles in compliance is always worth another look.