Hidden Dangers of Exhaust or Muffler Damage

A bad muffler can be loud and annoying – but a looming exhaust repair can also be dangerous. Your exhaust system is responsible for carrying toxic fumes out of your car’s engine, converting them from toxic carbon monoxide into less harmful carbon dioxide, and sending it all out and away from the car. This helps keep you safe on the road, as well as preventing more serious repairs on your car. If you notice any signs that you may need an exhaust or muffler repair, don’t put it off too long.

Hazardous Fumes in the Passenger Cabin

It’s one thing to notice a bad smell with the windows down or standing next to your running car. It’s another to start smelling exhaust while sitting inside your car driving. This is typically a sign that you have a leak in the exhaust system below your car, allowing some of those toxic exhaust fumes to enter into the passenger cabin where you’re sitting.

Carbon Monoxide is a Key Component of Exhaust Fumes

The combustion happening in your car’s engine creates carbon monoxide, which is toxic and can even be fatal when inhaled for sustained periods of time. This means if exhaust is leaking into the cabin of your car, it can cause serious health problems. There’s more at risk than just parts of your car if this is the case.

Damage to the Catalytic Converter

Your catalytic converter takes in carbon monoxide from the engine and turns it into carbon dioxide to be sent out of the exhaust pipe. If you have an exhaust leak, it can cause extra oxygen to enter into the exhaust system, triggering more fuel than needed to be injected into the engine. When this happens, there may be insufficient air to burn that fuel and it can end up in your catalytic converter.

Unburnt Fuel is Harmful to the Catalytic Converter

If extra fuel is entering the catalytic converter, it will then combust inside because of the high temperatures at which the catalytic converter operates. This can damage the parts inside and eventually clog the catalytic converter, leading to a costly repair.

Damage to the Oxygen Sensors

Your oxygen sensors are responsible for monitoring the amount of oxygen in the exhaust system at two different points. If a leak is causing excess oxygen to enter into the exhaust system, throwing off the amount of fuel being used, it can wreak just as much havoc on the oxygen sensors as the catalytic converter.

Excess Fuel Can Grunge Up the Sensors

If more fuel is entering the engine than can be combusted, it can also end up coating the oxygen sensors, meaning they’ll function poorly. This can lead to poor fuel economy, dashboard warning lights, and even halting or stalling when accelerating. Oxygen sensors are an easy fix but it’s best to know whether there’s another underlying cause behind their malfunction.

Damage to Your Engine

Depending on where the exhaust leak is, it could also result in some major engine damage. Another job of your car’s exhaust system is to carry away heat from your engine. Combustion creates a lot of heat, so your car relies on both the cooling system and the exhaust system to maintain a healthy temperature. An exhaust leak in the wrong place could cause your engine to overheat.

A Leak Near the Exhaust Manifold Can Cause Overheating

If the leak happens to be close to the exhaust manifold, it can prevent enough heat from being pulled away from the engine. That excess heat can damage the valves that allow exhaust gases to leave the engine. This can further increase the heat inside the engine and lead to a major repair that can be both time consuming and very expensive.

Trouble with Your Car’s Exhaust System? Give AAMCO Boise a Call

Suspect a problem with your exhaust system? Don’t let it go on too long. Save yourself extra worry and cost by bringing your car to the expert mechanics at AAMCO Boise. We’ll accurately diagnose any necessary repairs and get you back on the road. We care about the safety of both you and your car. If you’re not sure you can or should drive your car to your appointment, ask about our free towing service.

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