Time to come in?
Exhaust problems announce themselves. The reason to act quickly is that a leak forward of the cabin can put exhaust gas where you are sitting.
A joint, a flex pipe or a rusted-through section has let go. Locate it now while it is one piece rather than several.
Typically an exhaust manifold gasket or a cracked manifold. It gets worse and it gets more expensive.
A broken hanger letting the system move and contact the body or a heat shield. Often a very small repair if caught.
Treat this as urgent. A leak ahead of the cabin can admit exhaust gas into the interior — drive with the windows open and get it looked at.
A failed flex joint or a broken mount transmitting engine movement straight into the body.
A black smudge around a joint is the leak marking its own position. It will not seal itself again.
What we do
Exhaust systems are made of sections for a reason. If one part has rusted through, we quote that part — a whole system only gets recommended when a whole system has actually failed.
A leak inside the cabin is urgent
If you can smell exhaust inside the car, do not wait for a convenient appointment. Drive with the windows down, keep the trip short, and call the shop. Everything else on an exhaust is a repair; that one is a safety issue.
Exhaust Systems — asked and answered
Do I have to replace the whole exhaust system?
Rarely. Exhaust systems are sectional, so a rusted-through pipe or a failed muffler can usually be replaced on its own. We will show you what has actually failed.
Why is there a ticking noise that gets faster as I accelerate?
That is the classic sign of an exhaust manifold leak — either the gasket or a crack in the manifold itself. It is worth attending to, as it tends to worsen and can affect the engine's sensor readings.
Is an exhaust leak dangerous?
A leak ahead of the passenger compartment can allow exhaust gas into the cabin, which is a genuine safety concern. If you smell exhaust inside the car, ventilate it and get the car looked at promptly.
Quiet it down
Loud, ticking, rattling or smelling of exhaust — call the shop. Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 6:00pm, and Saturday 10:00am to 2:00pm.
675 Lively Avenue, Suite 202, Norcross, GA 30071