The average winter temperature in Cleveland ranges from 26 to 33 degrees Fahrenheit. Severe cold and extreme weather conditions can take a toll on your vehicle, including your car’s exhaust system.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how cold and snow can affect your car’s exhaust system and then offer some tips on how to protect your car from winter weather.
What Is the Exhaust System?
Your car’s exhaust system is a series of parts that run along the bottom of your vehicle from the engine to the tailpipe. Key components include the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler and tailpipe.
These parts work together to collect exhaust gases from the engine, funnel them, and clean them before they’re released into the air in the form of less toxic emissions.
4 Ways Winter Weather Can Affect the Exhaust System
Cold, wet winters, like those common in Northeast Ohio, can be hard on the exhaust system for a variety of reasons.
1. Condensation
Cleveland gets an average of about 63 inches of snow per year. With roadways full of melting snow and slush, the potential for moisture to get into your exhaust system is high. When moisture combines with the engine gases inside your exhaust system, it can cause components to corrode, leading to cracks and breaks.
2. Corrosion
Another corrosive culprit is road salt. The road salt spread over the city streets may help with traction, but when it mixes with melting snow, it creates a salty brine that is hard on all of your car’s components. Since the exhaust system is exposed along the undercarriage of your car, it’s often hit hard with corrosive salt. This can lead to oxidation and, eventually, rust.
3. Road Conditions
If you’ve lived in Cleveland long enough, you know about the fifth season — pothole season. As the roads freeze, thaw and freeze again, potholes form in the pavement, and they’re often hard to avoid.
Your exhaust system is particularly vulnerable to road hazards such as potholes or ice chunks. One bump can cause physical damage to any component on the exhaust system — even cracks and separation of components.
4. Slower Starts
When you crank up your car in cold weather, it can take longer to start — and longer for the exhaust system to warm up. If you’re only going a short distance, there may not be time for the water vapor to burn off, which could leave moisture trapped in the exhaust system, leading to corrosion over time.
Signs of Exhaust System Issues
As you go about your daily routines this winter, take note of any of the following signs of a troubled exhaust system.
- Excessive engine noise. If you haven’t installed an aftermarket exhaust system designed to enhance the roar of your engine, loud engine sounds can indicate a hole or leak in the system. Also, listen for hissing or rattling noises.
- Strong odor. If there is a leak between the engine and the catalytic converter, you may notice a strong, burnt gas smell that gets worse when you accelerate.
- Visible signs. Take a look under your car to check for any signs of rust or components that look loose or like they are hanging low on the vehicle.
Stay Safe in Snowy Weather
The exhaust system handles toxic fumes created by your car’s engine. If your exhaust system is faulty, gasses could leak into the cabin of the car, exposing you and your passengers to carbon monoxide, as well as volatile organic compounds and other hazardous gasses.
In the winter, snow and ice can clog your tailpipe, causing toxic fumes to back up inside the cabin. On particularly snowy days, or if you find yourself stuck in a snowbank, make sure the tailpipe is clear of any snow and ice to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
How to Take Care of Your Exhaust System This Winter
In addition to following your regular maintenance schedule, add these preventive measures to your winter car care routine.
- Winterize your vehicle. Make an appointment at your nearest Rainbow Muffler and Brake before the snow starts to fall. Your technician will not only top off fluids, change the oil and put on winter tires, but they’ll also give your exhaust system a look to make sure everything is working properly in advance of the snowy season.
- Pay attention to signs of failure. Check out the signs of a failing exhaust system we listed above. If you pick up on any of them, make an appointment to get your car checked out right away.
- Heed the check engine light. If the light blinks on, it could mean there’s trouble with the exhaust system.
- Keep it clean. Wash your car regularly, especially after driving on salted streets. Make sure to pay special attention to the underside of your vehicle, where the exhaust system lives.
- Leave time to warm up. Your engine needs more time to warm up in frigid temps. Short trips can lead to condensation. Avoid short drives, or be sure to give your engine a chance to warm up before hitting the road.
Cleveland’s low temps and snowy weather may not be within your control, but taking steps to maintain your exhaust system in the winter can help you avoid costly repairs or replacements and ensure a safe season of driving. As we prepare for another Cleveland winter, don’t forget to schedule a full vehicle inspection, including a thorough exhaust system checkup today.
