Understanding exhaust systems and how they fit into a car\u2019s ecosystem actually isn\u2019t too difficult. For one, your muffler will give you a very audible clue when it\u2019s time to head to the shop \u2014 after all, if this part isn\u2019t doing its job of keeping the car quiet, then it\u2019s definitely time for a replacement.<\/span><\/p>\n Not all aspects of your exhaust system are as in-your-face as a broken muffler, however. The following are a few signs that you might want to get your vehicle\u2019s exhaust system inspected:<\/span><\/p>\n More Than Mufflers<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Part of understanding exhaust systems is learning about the different components, from engine to tailpipe. Up front, your vehicle\u2019s motor makes use of an exhaust manifold (sometimes called a header) to remove combustion gases from the cylinders. The manifold is linked to a catalytic converter that cleans up the chemical mixture before sending it down the line to a resonator and the<\/span> muffler<\/a><\/strong>, both of which quiet down the sound produced when the gases roar through<\/span> the metal tubing<\/a><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n The Telltale Tick<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Exhaust leaks aren\u2019t always loud, and they aren\u2019t always linked to your car\u2019s muffler. Each of the exhaust system parts listed above are connected through welds and flanges, and with time and corrosion, these connections can start to loosen.<\/span><\/p>\n One of the first signs that exhaust gases are escaping prematurely is a tick that gets louder or faster when you hit the gas. A ticking sound can also indicate a crack in an exhaust manifold or a hole in any part of the system. Depending on how serious the leak is, it can often be repaired with a patch or a fresh weld.<\/span><\/p>\n Gradually Getting Louder<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Mufflers don\u2019t typically deteriorate to the point of falling off without first giving you clues that something\u2019s wrong. Usually, a muffler that\u2019s past its prime will incrementally get louder as the interior chambers and sound-deadening materials break down. It\u2019s not always easy to detect initially, but eventually you\u2019ll notice that your vehicle is significantly louder than it used to be. This generally indicates either a large break in the exhaust system or a muffler that\u2019s on its way out. Either way, this is the opportune time to take your car to the shop and have it checked out.<\/span><\/p>\n For more information on understanding exhaust systems, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local<\/span> NAPA AUTO PARTS store<\/a><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n Photo Credit:<\/span>\u00a0Rumbler Muffler<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>by\u00a0<\/span>Roman Soto<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>(<\/span>CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/strong>).<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n