Leaks don’t have to bring you down. Whether it’s car fluid drips or a leaky exhaust system, the key to keeping your vehicle healthy — and you safe — is to address possible leaks right away. If you’re dealing with a tight budget or just like to be handy, there are some ways you can try diagnosing and repairing an exhaust leak at home.
When doing any DIY work on your vehicle, use caution and ensure you have the right tools and information — and when in doubt, always consult your local AAMCO mechanic for help.
DIY Tips to Diagnose & Fix a Leaky Exhaust System
If you’re hoping to fix an exhaust leak at home, there are a few things to keep in mind and steps to take. Finding the source of a leak can be tricky and time-consuming, but by checking the most common locations for exhaust leaks first, you can help speed up the process.
While you may have to settle for a temporary fix until you can get to a mechanic, it will still help prevent the problem from escalating — and keep you safe on the road in the meantime.
Look for Signs of an Exhaust Leak Like New Sounds & Smells
Listen up while you drive. Metallic sounds like tapping or ticking, as well as more pronounced hissing or roaring, can indicate an exhaust leak. These sounds may get louder as you accelerate and more exhaust is pushed through the system. You may also notice a dip in your vehicle’s fuel economy if the leak is near the manifold. Finally, there may be new smells, whether musty, smoky, or sulfuric, that can indicate an exhaust leak or other issues with components in the system.
Ensure You Start with a Cold Car
When you do DIY work on your car’s exhaust system, it’s essential to start with a cold car, rather than parking and immediately checking components. If you’ve been driving, metal exhaust components will be hot and can easily burn you. Starting with a vehicle that hasn’t recently been driven will give you more time to inspect components before they warm up.
Carefully Inspect the Exhaust Pipe Connections
Take a close look at the exhaust pipe and other parts around it, checking for signs of damage or rust that could also point to the location of a leak. With the engine running, carefully feel for leaks by holding your hand next to different components. If there’s an exhaust leak, you’ll feel puffs of air. Be careful not to touch components while the engine is running, since they can quickly become hot.
Check for Damage on the Flex-Pipe or Flexible Connecting Joints
One of the most common locations of an exhaust leak is the flex pipe and other flexible connecting joints. The flex-pipe, if your vehicle has one, is made of an accordion-like metal tube surrounded by a woven metal fabric. An exhaust leak here will also be loud, making it hard to ignore.
Another common location for leaks are the flexible joints that connect two pieces of exhaust pipe together. These joints are sealed with donut gaskets that keep exhaust inside the pipes and joints. Often, those gaskets are the source of exhaust leaks and will need to be replaced.
Use Epoxy Bands and Tapes to Temporarily Fix a Leak
Many exhaust leaks can be fixed using epoxy bands and tapes. This will re-seal the component, keeping exhaust fumes inside the pipes again. However, this is only a temporary solution and any worn components will have to be replaced to fully and permanently repair an exhaust leak.
Don’t Cut Corners When Repairing Exhaust Leaks
Leaking exhaust fumes is no laughing matter. While often it may simply impact your car’s performance and fuel economy, if left to grow over time, it can lead to bigger problems. Most importantly, if you smell exhaust in the cabin of your car, it’s essential to avoid driving as much as possible to limit your exposure. Exhaust fumes are toxic and can even become fatal if inhaled for a prolonged period of time. Don’t risk it — have a mechanic inspect your vehicle’s exhaust system and handle repairs.
Got Leaks? Visit Your Local AAMCO Tallahassee for Exhaust Repairs
Don’t let leaks stress you out. The sooner you have an exhaust leak diagnosed and repaired, the less likely you are to deal with more serious problems. Visit your local AAMCO Tallahassee and our expert mechanics will inspect each of your vehicle’s essential systems, from exhaust to engine. Schedule your appointment with us today!