Muffler and Exhaust Repair

What your exhaust system does

• Safely carries hot exhaust gas from the engine out the tailpipe
• Treats the exhaust to remove harmful pollutants
• Muffles engine noise

Why leaks matter

Exhaust gas is poisonous, and carbon monoxide can be deadly. A leak can let exhaust into the passenger cabin, which is also why you should never run an engine in a closed garage. Do not drive with exhaust fumes in the cabin; headache, nausea, or drowsiness are warning signs. Get to fresh air, and roll down the windows if you smell exhaust.

Signs of a leak

You may smell or see exhaust coming from the engine compartment or from under the vehicle. Some leaks are loud and obvious. Others show up as a ticking sound at startup that fades as you drive, which can mean a small crack or bad fitting that leaks when cold and seals up as the metal heats and expands.

Catalytic converters

The catalytic converter scrubs harmful substances from the exhaust and eventually wears out. A misfire, a rich fuel mixture, or oil or coolant entering the exhaust can damage the converter, so keeping the engine in good tune helps it last.