The exhaust system is an essential component of your motor vehicle and performs several extremely important jobs.

• The exhaust takes exhaust gases from the engine to the rear of the vehicle, and helps to direct noxious gases away from the cabin. It ensures that occupants of the vehicle will not be exposed to dangerous fumes that can harm your immediate and long-term health.
• The exhaust makes sure your car is as fuel efficient as possible, by monitoring the levels of oxygen emitted and using this information to balance the fuel/air mix of the engine to the optimum level.
• Exhaust systems are made up of a variety of components, custom designed to fit individual vehicles, with pipes and mufflers which maintain correct back pressure. This in turn enables optimum engine power with minimum fuel consumption.
• The exhaust also keeps engine noise to comfortable levels inside and outside the vehicle.

Reasons for exhaust failure

The exhaust system is located underneath the vehicle and is subject to damage from stones, dirt, water and other road hazards.

Within the exhaust system, extreme temperature changes together with a mixture of combustion gases and moisture cause the formation of acids that eat into internal metal surfaces. This corrosion is evident in the form of rust pin holes or cracks.

The single biggest cause of exhaust system failure

The biggest cause of exhaust system failure is rust.

Rust usually works from the inside out. A mixture of water and sulphuric acid in exhaust gases corrodes pipes and the internal baffling of the muffler barrel.

Exhaust systems tend to corrode more quickly in vehicles used for short journeys. In this case, the muffler does not reach high enough temperatures to 'dry out', leaving the water and acid to accelerate the rusting process.

Warning signs of a faulty exhaust system or muffler

• Vehicle makes a louder noise than usual
• Increased fuel consumption or lack of performance
• Rust visible on exhaust system parts
• Rattles from the exhaust system
• Appearance of holes and cracks and leakage of exhaust gases

Danger signs you should look out for

If the smell of fuel or oil, no matter how slight, is detected within the passenger compartment, the system could be leaking and lethal carbon monoxide levels may be building up.

In this instance you should stop driving your vehicle immediately and bring your vehicle in for inspection.