Owning a car is all about staying on top of the maintenance and repairs that keep it running properly. Some things are easy—oil changes, brakes, belts and more are all on a schedule that can be easily adhered to. Other things are harder, though. How do you know when you need new spark plugs? How do you tell if your exhaust is failing?
The key to staying on top of these maintenance items—especially if you drive a luxury vehicle—is to pay close attention to your car’s performance. There are some telltale signs that you’re coming up on an exhaust change, for example. Schedule an appointment with a European master repair service in Conway, AR today if you notice any of the following:
- Loud noises: If your once-quiet auto now sounds like it belongs on a drag strip, it’s a good bet your exhaust system is starting to fail. Holes in the exhaust, rusted out mufflers, damaged catalytic converters and more will all introduce loud sounds to your everyday driving. If you can pull away from a stoplight without sounding like you’re hitting the gas at the Indy 500, talk to a professional about what can be done to inspect and replace damaged exhaust components.
- Poor fuel economy: Your exhaust system is important for controlling blow-by gases in your engine. If it’s not doing a good job of processing these gases, your fuel economy is likely to suffer. If you’ve noticed a drop in MPG or aren’t getting the mileage you once did from a full tank, consider speaking to a mechanic about looking into your exhaust.
- Smoke and smells: The exhaust coming out of your vehicle should be colorless and relatively odorless. If your tailpipe is belching black smoke or you smell noxious fumes a few minutes after starting up the engine, it’s a sign that emissions aren’t being processed properly. Take your vehicle to a European master repair service in Conway, AR to have emissions tested. If they’re poor, it may mean looking into your exhaust system closer and issuing repairs or replacements for parts like your catalytic converter.
- Chugging or surging: Does your tachometer jump around when you’re idling at a stoplight or while you’re moving at a consistent speed? If so, you might have issues with blow-by gases in your engine. If they’re not being properly jettisoned through your exhaust system, it might be a problem that’s worth looking into. In many cases, exhaust repairs or part replacements are enough to get things fixed.
Your exhaust is one of the core, critical systems of your vehicle. Paying close attention to any inefficiencies or warning signs means staying on top of any repairs this system needs. Staying abreast of problems instead of falling victim to them means keeping your vehicle in proper working condition for longer!
Don’t trust just anyone with exhaust repairs. Schedule your appointment with Riverdale Automotive today and get the peace of mind that comes with years of expert workmanship.