Proper maintenance of the exhaust system is important for the safety of your car’s occupants and to comply with emissions regulations. Exhaust leaks at the manifold or anywhere along the piping network are dangerous because a leak can allow carbon monoxide to enter the cabin. An engine that is not performing properly can produce excessive emissions beyond what the catalytic converter is designed to handle. And a defective catalytic converter will cause the car to emit harmful emissions in violation of regulations. Sometimes a component in the exhaust system can become clogged which will affect engine performance and reduce gas mileage.

Common problem with exhaust systems often result from leaks, corrosion and internal blockage.  Some signs that your car may have an exhaust problem are unusual noise, exhaust odors, a dash warning light and reduced power or gas mileage.  An engine that is not performing properly can produce excessive emissions that could damage the catalytic converter resulting in an expensive repair.  So the appearance of an engine warning light should be taken seriously, and the car should be inspected as soon as possible.