What to Expect With an Exhaust System Service
1. Schedule Your Appointment
Whether scheduling online or over the phone be sure and let us know what you're experiencing so we can provide fast and accurate service advice.
2. Diagnostics and Inspections
Drop off your vehicle and the shop will get to work with inspections and diagnostics using the same equipment as the manufacturers to determine issues and next steps.
3. Digital Vehicle Inspection Report and Estimate
Following the diagnosis we will text you a digital vehicle inspection report, containing pictures and videos of our findings and recommendations.
4. Review and Approval
A service advisor will reach out to walk you through the findings and recommendations to determine how you would like to proceed, or you can approve work directly in your DVI.
5. Work Performed or Scheduled
Most work can be completed immediately, or scheduled based on parts and customer availability.
Did You Know: There’s more ways to save money on gas than at the gas station. Clean filters and properly inflated tires help to keep cars running more fuel efficiently.
Your Exhaust System and Its Possible Problems
When people think of a car’s exhaust system, they usually think of the muffler. But there are other components to the exhaust system, and over the years, automakers have developed more and more sophisticated ways to increase efficiency, reduce noise, and limit emissions.
Your exhaust system includes your muffler, piping, and a catalytic converter, which reduces pollution. Generally speaking, exhaust systems are resilient, and problems that arise with them are often a sign that something else in the vehicle isn’t working properly. Still, it is important to be vigilant about possible exhaust problems so you can schedule muffler repair before minor concerns turn into major damage.
Signs of an exhaust system or muffler problem include:
- Excessive loud noises while driving.
- Engine misfires.
- Gasoline odors.
- Decrease in acceleration or power.
- Decrease in fuel efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I drive with a loud muffler?
Driving with a damaged muffler is unsafe and often illegal in Texas. It can allow carbon monoxide to enter the cabin and may result in noise citations in Corpus Christi. We recommend scheduling an inspection immediately to protect your health and avoid fines.
Will a hole in my exhaust cause a Check Engine light?
Yes, leaks near the oxygen sensors can disrupt the readings sent to your car's computer. This often triggers a light and can cause the engine to run inefficiently, leading to higher fuel costs and potential damage to the catalytic converter.
Does salty air really damage my exhaust system?
Absolutely. Salt accelerates the chemical reaction that causes rust. In Nueces County, we see exhaust components fail much faster than in drier climates. Regular undercarriage washes and proactive inspections at an exhaust repair shop are essential for coastal vehicles.
What is the difference between a muffler and a catalytic converter?
The muffler is primarily responsible for dampening noise. The catalytic converter is a critical emissions component that converts harmful gases into less toxic substances. Both are essential for your car to pass Texas emissions tests and run cleanly.
Why is my exhaust pipe rattling?
Rattling is often caused by broken or corroded hangers, loose heat shields, or internal baffles breaking loose inside the muffler. Our technicians can quickly identify the loose component and secure it to prevent further damage to the system.
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FAQs
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Q. "Why is smoke coming out of my exhaust system?"You are able to locate the problem based on the color of the smoke. Take a look at this article to identify the potential issue based on the color.
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Q. "How do I tell if my exhaust system is leaking?"If you are experiencing a rumbling engine noise, a decreased fuel economy, or a vibrating gas pedal, this could be a sign that you have an exhaust system leak.
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Q. "How do I tell if something is wrong with my muffler?"Some common signs of muffler issues include: abnormally loud noise, strong fumes, and loss in fuel economy or power.
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Q. "What is the purpose of my vehicle's muffler?"The muffler is responsible for tuning your engine's noise and helps balance fuel efficiency and power. Some like a louder more powerful car, while others prefer a quiet and efficient drive. It is up to your personal preference what type of muffler is best for you. Click here to learn more.
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Q. "Do you offer a warranty?"As part of our Nice difference.® commitment to providing our customers the best auto service experience possible, we also offer a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all the work that we do. We offer this warranty at every Christian Brothers Automotive nationwide, and it will be honored at any location, regardless of which branch did the initial work.
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Q. "What is a Digital Vehicle Inspection?"With a complimentary Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) on every visit, you’ll see firsthand photos of your vehicle from under the hood. We’ll let you know if everything is functioning properly or if there are any areas of concern. You can even approve or deny our service recommendations, all straight from your smartphone, or you can, of course, give us a call and we’ll explain our findings in further detail.
Have more Questions?
Our friendly auto service experts have the answers.
Call your local Christian Brothers Automotive car shop today
Hear What Our Customers Had to Say About Us
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"I liked the customer service and going above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable while waiting in the store for my vehicle work to be done, specifically being offered a nice hot coffee with creamer."
- J.L.