How To Check Your Exhaust For Leaks, Rust Or Damage
Here is a simple guide as to how to check your exhaust for leaks, rust or damage.
Checking Your Exhaust For Leaks
To check your exhaust for leaks you will need a jack, a towel or rag and a friend to help.
Ensure your car is on a flat surface.
Use a jack to raise the front of your vehicle.
Turn your car.
While you lay under the front of the car, as a friend to plug the exhaust with the rag or towel. Your friend may want to wear heavy duty gloves during this process as, while it will take a while to get hot, the exhaust will get hotter the longer you leave it running.
Listen for any hisses or spluttering noises.
Locate the noises and you will have located your leak.
If a leak is found take it to your local Protyres centre to be fixed.
Checking Your Exhaust For Rust
There are various forms of rust which can form on your exhaust. All of which can be identified and located if you follow these simple steps.
Ensure your car is on a flat surface.
Use a jack to raise the front of your vehicle. Alternatively elevate your car using a ramp.
Climb under your car and check your exhaust for rust.
Check for pinholes.
If pin holes are found, take it to your local car service centre to have replaced.
Spot rust is normal for vehicles used in the northern hemisphere. The damp from snow, rain and from the sea all contribute to spot rust developing sporadically across your exhaust. Spotting rust early could be the difference between having to have it replaced and having it repaired.
Why not get a professional to take a look? Get a Free Exhaust Check at Protyre
Protyre offer a range of Free Vehicle Checks to all of our customers, including exhausts. Our expert technicians will carry out a check of your vehicle and will offer advice on what can be done to correct any issues.
Other Forms Of Damage
Corrosion and rust are the most common forms of damage to your exhaust, but it is also worth watching out for the following:
Oxygen Sensor
Over time your oxygen sensor wears out and becomes less accurate. The effect of this is that your car will burn more fuel than needed which in turn will cost you more money. In modern cars your Check Engine Light will come on when the oxygen sensor is in need of replacing. If you don’t have a light then we recommend you have it checked every 60,000 miles.
Silencer
Rust is usually the killer when it comes to silencers. These can be replaced easily by a professional.
Catalytic Converter
Although rare, it is possible for your catalytic converter to become clogged. If this occurs you will need to get it replaced. Symptoms to watch out for are:
Loss of Power
Heat coming up through the floor
Smell of sulphur
The converter itself glowing red
If any of these symptoms appear contact your local car servicing centre and get them to check it out.