The exhaust system carries dangerous gases produced by combustion to the catalytic converter. Inside the converter, these gases are changed to less harmful ones and then forced through the rest of the exhaust to exit through the tailpipe. Exhaust problems can develop over time due to rust, age, or damage to the system and affect your Chevy’s performance. As your Chevy dealer, we want to tell you some signs you need to visit us for an exhaust service.
Signs You Need and Exhaust Service at Your Chevy Dealer
Clogged Catalytic Converter
As we’ve seen, the catalytic converter changes dangerous engine gases. It does this through extreme pressure, intense heat, and chemical reactions with the platinum and other materials in the converter. Converting these gases is vital, as combustion gases can be a major source of airborne pollution. Carbon is created as a byproduct of the conversion process and will slowly build up in the converter.
The carbon build-up will eventually block the exit from the converter. Engine gases are then forced back into your engine, which increases its internal pressure. If the pressure rises high enough, your engine can suddenly shut down. Our technicians will clear the blockage, and pressure in the engine will return to normal.
Gas Smell
If you’re driving and smell the heady odor of gas, your exhaust pipe could be damaged. The exhaust pipe is constructed from several sections, and these sections can be damaged by driving over a solid object or by hard objects like stones thrown up from the road surface. Additionally, rust can develop and eat through a pipe section, forming a hole.
A gas smell means that the exhaust manifold, the first section of the exhaust, has been damaged. This section is where gases expelled after combustion enter on the way to conversion in the converter. The hold will cause a drop in engine power, produce a weird whistling noise, and release gas fumes. We’ll find and seal the leak, and the gas smell will disappear.
Banging Noises
Noise from under your vehicle is never a good sign. A banging or rattling noise usually means that part of your exhaust system is loose. The exhaust sections are bolted together and then attached to the frame by rubber hangers, distributed along the whole length of the pipe. The hangers are made from rubber and screwed into the body to prevent the pipe sections from moving.
A damaged hanger can fail, and a section of the exhaust will move up and down as you drive, hitting the underside of your car. This can cause further damage to the exhaust. We’ll find the damaged hanger and replace it.
If you have an exhaust problem, contact us right away at Bommarito Chevrolet South County in St. Louis, MO.
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