Exhaust Leak Symptoms
Updated: Jan 9
If your vehicle has an exhaust leak, you might be worried about how it will affect its performance and if it is still safe to drive. In this article, we'll explore exhaust leak symptoms, how to find an exhaust leak, and if it's safe to drive with one.
Although exhaust leaks can range in severity, one or more symptoms are almost always present. It is advisable to have an automotive repair shop to fix this issue soon since if you don't, it can cause further problems with your vehicle in the future.
Exhaust leaks are also harmful to car occupants; if you suspect an exhaust leak, avoid driving, but if you must, keep your windows open while the engine is running.
Table of Contents:
What Is an Exhaust Leak?
An exhaust leak occurs when a portion of the exhaust gases produced in the combustion chamber of your engine escapes the exhaust system of your car before exiting via the tailpipe.
Functioning vehicles release exhaust gases from the tailpipe. Unfortunately, some of these gases can escape before reaching the end of the exhaust. When exhaust gases seep out between the engine's combustion chamber and the tailpipe, this is referred to as a "exhaust leak".
Anywhere bolts have come loose, a rusty section of the pipe, a crack in the metal, etc., there is a chance that an exhaust leak may develop.
Exhaust leaks are an issue for a variety of reasons.
They may disrupt sensors, that could cause your engine use too much or too little fuel and an exhaust leak can cause a check engine light.
Since they often enable exhaust gases to escape before going through the catalytic converter, exhaust leaks are harmful to the environment.
They could risk your health and those of your passengers if exhaust fumes reach the cabin, which can happen if the exhaust leak is closer to the engine bay.
Exhaust Leak Symptoms
The following list includes some of the most typical signs of an exhaust leak. You may notice one or more of these signs.
A louder exhaust and engine
Increased vibrations
Decreased fuel efficiency
Reduced power and acceleration
Unusual noises, including hissing, rattling and tapping
A smell of fuel
Check engine light
A Louder Exhaust & Engine
When you start the engine and notice an increasingly loud noise coming from the engine area, this is a strong indicator that the exhaust manifold gasket is leaking.
Remember that a gasket seals the gap between the engine block and the exhaust manifold pipe. Like the pipe, this gasket undergoes constant heating and cooling.
If there isn't a crack or leak coming from the pipe, check the gasket to see if it's broken. Normally, it will sound louder when accelerating and when it first starts (cold start).
Increased Vibrations
The pedals, the steering wheel, the seat, and perhaps the entire car may drone if there are too many vibrations.
The vibrations will often be louder and rougher the bigger the exhaust leak.
Decreased Fuel Efficiency
Sometimes an exhaust leak will interfere with the car's different sensors, changing the air-to-fuel ratio the ECU calculates and causing the engine to operate less efficiently.
This exhaust leak indication typically becomes worse with time and may not be as obvious.
Reduced Power and Acceleration
A leaking exhaust system can cause a loss of power and can reduce acceleration, top speed and the general performance of an engine.