Cleveland’s harsh winters bring snow, ice, salt and potholes that can severely impact your vehicle’s exhaust system. Without regular inspections, small issues like rust and leaks can quickly turn into costly repairs or dangerous driving conditions.
Routine exhaust system checks help you catch potential problems early — before they lead to decreased performance, increased emissions or safety hazards. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at why routine exhaust system checks are particularly important for Cleveland drivers, outline what to expect during an inspection, and highlight the benefits of keeping your exhaust system in top shape.
What Is the Exhaust System?
Let’s start with a quick overview of your car’s exhaust system. The exhaust system is a collection of parts that runs the length of the underside of your vehicle. From the exhaust manifold to the tailpipe, these parts work together to reduce harmful emissions, improve fuel efficiency and minimize engine noise.
Key components include the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, muffler and tailpipe — all of which play a vital role in keeping your car’s performance and environmental impact in check.
Why Exhaust Inspections Are Important
Neglecting muffler maintenance doesn’t just affect your car’s performance — it can lead to increased emissions, louder engine noise and even failed emissions tests. Here are just a few reasons why inspections matter.
Safety. If your exhaust system leaks or has holes, the harmful gasses it works hard to clean could leech into your vehicle's cabin. The unfiltered gas fumes will likely contain high levels of carbon monoxide, exposure to which could cause anything from dizziness to blurred vision to death.
Environmental consideration and compliance. Maintaining a well-functioning exhaust system is good for the environment, but it’s also a requirement for Clevlanders. Ohio’s e-check program, short for emissions check, has been in place since 1996 and requires motorists whose cars are more than four years old to complete emissions tests every two years.
According to the state, e-check keeps 74 tons of harmful vehicle emissions from Ohio’s air daily. Even if you drive a newer car, regular exhaust checks can give you peace of mind that you’re keeping Clevland’s air clean.
Performance. Your exhaust system is like a superhighway for exhaust gases. A clear and functioning system is like cruising down I-80 with no traffic in sight. On the flip side, if your exhaust system is leaky or clogged with rust, carbon deposits or debris, it’s akin to being stuck in rush-hour traffic with construction on both sides. Restricted airflow can lead to poor engine performance and higher gas mileage.
Avoiding Expensive Repairs. It’s called preventive maintenance for a reason. Regular exhaust system inspections allow you to catch any issues with your exhaust system before they become major (and expensive). Regular visits can help you avoid costly repairs or parts replacements.
What to Expect During an Exhaust Inspection
During an exhaust inspection, you can expect a thorough examination of all the components that make up the system, which will likely include four out of five of your technician’s senses (tasting is not involved).
- Visual inspection. Your technician will evaluate for any loose parts, rust, corrosion or obvious cracks. They’ll also take a close look at the catalytic converter, especially if your check engine light is on.
- Listening for leaks. Audible signs of a leak can include hissing or popping noises.
- Checking exhaust flow. A weak or uneven flow coming from the tailpipe can indicate a blockage in the exhaust system.
- Smell test. While your car is out for a test drive, your technician will give it a smell test to evaluate whether any exhaust gases are leaching into the cabin.
After evaluating the entire exhaust system, your technician will make recommendations for necessary repairs or maintenance to keep your exhaust system functioning optimally.
When to Schedule Exhaust Inspections
Since winter weather is particularly hard on the exhaust system, make a point to schedule your annual exhaust inspection in the spring to see if it has suffered any weather-related damage. Your technician will check for rust, corrosion, loose components or other issues that may become hazardous — and expensive — if not addressed right away.
Other times to schedule an exhaust inspection:
- Before a long trip. If you’re planning a cross-country road trip, especially in the winter, schedule an inspection before you hit the road.
- When there is a problem. If you hear, see or smell anything off (like rattling or loud exhaust noises, a decrease in fuel efficiency, or parts that seem to be hanging lower than usual under the car), schedule a maintenance appointment right away.
Pro tip: It’s also a good idea to wash your vehicle — including the undercarriage where the exhaust system is — every few weeks. It can feel wasteful to get a carwash in the winter or early spring amid all Cleveland’s salt, slush and mud, but washing away road salt and other chemicals can prevent corrosion and extend the life of your exhaust system.
This winter, take care of your exhaust system to ensure your car runs efficiently, safely and reliably amid Cleveland’s often unpredictable weather. Regular inspections and maintenance can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns, costly repairs and safety hazards. Don’t wait until there’s a problem — schedule your exhaust inspection today.
