A broken exhaust pipe can not only cause a lot of inconvenience, it can also be incredibly dangerous. Let’s look at what an exhaust pipe does in your vehicle and what the signs of a broken exhaust pipe are.
Your vehicle’s exhaust pipe connects to the muffler and serves to release exhaust fumes into the air and away from your vehicle. On the typical vehicle, you’ll usually find the exhaust pipe attached to the rear end with a bracket. The exhaust pipe varies in design based on your vehicle’s make and model. You’ll typically find that a new exhaust pipe costs anywhere between $10 to $2,800.
There are a number of things that can cause your exhaust pipe to break or crack. These include typical wear and tear, rust, and impact damage. Rear impact collisions in particular can affect your exhaust pipe, as it’s located at the very back of your vehicle. You can counteract natural wear and tear by having regular maintenance done on your vehicle by a professional mechanic. Rust is a little more tricky since exposure to moisture and road salt can speed up the process, but regular maintenance should be able to help here as well.
A broken exhaust pipe will negatively affect your vehicle in a variety of ways. Some of the common symptoms to look out for are the following:
Any abnormal oxygen readings will automatically trigger the check engine light. These readings might have their roots in a broken exhaust pipe.
Damaged or corroded exhaust pipes will sometimes affect how well your engine runs. This includes reduced power and fuel efficiency and slow acceleration. The loss in backpressure resulting from an exhaust leak is the source of this drop in engine performance.
A cracked or broken exhaust pipe will often be accompanied by a strong exhaust smell emanating from your vehicle. The smell of unburned fuel or other exhaust fumes might invade your cabin.
Any scraping or rattling noises are a sign that you should pull over as soon as possible. If you hear a rattling or dragging sound while driving, there’s a chance it could be from a dislodged exhaust pipe. Check for this as soon as you can because if the pipe snaps off while driving it can put you and others at risk.
Much like rattling and dragging noises, if you spot sparks coming from beneath your vehicle, it’s time to pull over and check for damage to the exhaust pipe. The sparks can be caused by an exhaust pipe that’s hanging or dragging underneath your vehicle.
It’s not surprising that a broken exhaust pipe might lead to a failed smog test. A cracked exhaust pipe can lead to noxious gases leaking out when they aren’t supposed to.
If your engine starts making loud hissing or tapping noises, it might mean that there’s an exhaust leak caused by a broken exhaust pipe. These sounds might become louder as you accelerate.
A cracked exhaust pipe can be incredibly dangerous for a number of reasons. First and foremost, a broken exhaust pipe can leak exhaust fumes into your vehicle’s cabin. Exhaust fumes contain toxic gases like carbon monoxide.
A cracked exhaust pipe can also damage the catalytic converter. If there’s a leak in the exhaust pipe, oxygen might leak into the system, which will lead to the temperature of the catalytic converter rising. In extreme cases, this can result in a fire in the vehicle’s engine, which can cause significant damage to the vehicle.
It generally isn’t a good idea to drive with a broken exhaust pipe. Besides the toxic fumes and potential for fire, the ride itself will likely be uncomfortable. That being said, you might be able to drive a few hundred miles if the leak is small. If your broken exhaust pipe has a large leak, it’s best not to risk it. Instead, have a professional mechanic visit your home or have your vehicle towed to the nearest repair shop.
A broken exhaust pipe might seem like a small issue at first, but the dangers it poses to everyone in the vehicle can’t be ignored. If you notice signs of a broken exhaust pipe, you better go to the vehicle repair shop as soon as possible.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.