exhaust pipe replacement

What does an exhaust pipe do?

Your car’s exhaust system is designed to transport and release the exhaust gases from the engine’s cylinders into the air and typically consists of an exhaust manifold, downpipe, exhaust pipes, an exhaust silencer and a catalytic converter. Exhaust gases are filtered out of the engine cylinders, into the manifold and then into the exhaust pipes and are fed to the catalytic converter to be cleaned.

Exhaust pipes usually consist of several parts like a downpipe, a central exhaust pipe and a rear exhaust pipe. All these parts are connected with an assortment of exhaust gaskets. The entire exhaust system is essential in the efficient and smooth running of your vehicle.

How often should an exhaust pipe need replacing?

In modern cars with high-quality parts, the exhaust pipes should last the lifetime of the car. However, older cars or those with cheaper parts may need to have the exhaust system inspected and looked at every 5-10 years.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

There are strict regulations regarding exhaust systems and car emissions. A car's exhaust system, including the manifold and pipe, cannot have any serious leaks, corrosion or cracks. An annual MOT tests both the exhaust system for leaks and deterioration and the emissions coming from the exhaust system.

What happens when we do an exhaust pipe replacement on your car?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Inspect the exhaust pipes.

• If the exhaust system or pipes are damaged (cracked, rusted through etc.), the mechanic will replace the necessary parts.

• They will also replace the exhaust gasket(s), if necessary.

• Advise if other parts need to be replaced.

• Check for any exhaust leaks and test drive the car.

What causes an exhaust pipe to break?

Exhaust pipes run underneath the car, therefore they are constantly exposed to the elements so are more prone to wear. In damp conditions older exhausts can rust or become corroded and sometimes pipes can be damaged when driving, for example when driving too quickly over speed bumps.

When should an exhaust pipe be replaced?

Modern exhaust systems are designed to last the lifetime of a vehicle. The exhaust pipes are typically made from either chrome or stainless steel so can withstand wear, rust and corrosion. On older cars or those with cheaper parts the exhaust pipes will last between 5-10 years. This being said, because exhaust pipes run underneath the car they are directly exposed to the elements so can easily rust or become damaged.

What are the symptoms of a bad exhaust pipe?

Usually, there a few signs you can look for:

• Loud noises from the exhaust

• Decreased fuel efficiency

• Loss of power

• Rusted or loose exhaust pipes

• Burning smell from the engine bay

• Gas smell inside the car

How often should you replace your exhaust pipe?

In modern cars with high-quality parts, the exhaust pipes should last the lifetime of the car. However, older cars or those with cheaper parts may need to have the exhaust system inspected and looked at every 5-10 years.

What happens when we do an exhaust pipe replacement on your car?

Our certified mechanics wil

• Inspect the exhaust pipes.

• If the exhaust system or pipes are damaged (cracked, rusted through etc.), the mechanic will replace the necessary parts.

• They will also replace the exhaust gasket(s), if necessary.

• Advise if other parts need to be replaced.

• Check for any exhaust leaks and test drive the car.

Can you drive with a broken exhaust pipe?

We do not recommend driving when any part of your exhaust is broken. While you can still technically drive, it's neither safe nor legal and poses a number of issues when you're out on the road. Whether your exhaust pipes are cracked, rusted, hanging off or have fallen off completely, it's an important part of your vehicle which needs your immediate attention.

Not only could your car be emitting harmful gases as you drive, it could also be running at a decreased fuel efficiency, which may be costing you more money.

What happens if you don't change a broken exhaust pipe?

If you put off an exhaust pipe replacement, your car could be emitting harmful emissions as you drive which could breach the legal limit. Issues with your exhaust could also affect the performance of your car, such as decreased fuel efficiency and poor performance and acceleration.