Exhaust System: The Muffler tells all!

Is your car starting to perform poorly, barely getting you to work and back? Or is your muffler announcing your entrance to the neighborhood? You may have a leak in your vehicle's exhaust system. Here are three main indicators of problems:

The "check engine" light on the dashboard lights up;

The engine runs poorly

The engine idles rough;

Loud noises come from the muffler. 

If you are looking for quality Exhaust Systems Billings MT than your search can be over now with our Precision Auto Center Billings MT shop. Also find Engine Service Billings MT mechanic to solve your car problems.

If you are a "Do-It-Yourselfer," you may be able to determine if there is a leak in your vehicle's exhaust system, and also pinpoint the location and source of the leak. Here are a few tips that will help save you time and money at an auto shop:

• First, make sure the engine is cool while you look under the hood. Small leaks get smaller because metal expands as it heats up. This makes them difficult to detect.
• Force the exhaust through any leaks by temporarily covering the muffler. Start at the engine and follow the exhaust system all the way to the end, feeling for hot air escaping through the pipe, especially at the connectors, common areas for leaks. Be sure not to touch the hot muffler.
• Remove the plastic engine cover to inspect the exhaust manifold for cracking or warping. This problem is especially common in older cars.
• It is common (again especially in older cars) for the gasket connecting the manifold to the cylinder head to crack. You may feel hot air escaping from the gasket as well as a strong smell of fumes.
• Check the pipes or muffler for rust. Areas weakened by rust often cause leaks. It is easy to fix if it is just surface. It will be a more extensive repair if the rust goes all the way through the metal.
• If you are not comfortable performing these tests yourself, take your vehicle to an auto shop. Many will run tests free of charge in order to recommend the appropriate service.

Need an inspection of your exhaust system? For answers to your questions about your vehicle's exhaust system, contact the ASE Certified Technicians at Precision Automotive today by calling (406) 248-2838, or go on-line to www.pricesprecisionauto.com for more information. Our Tech-Net professional auto center in Billings, MT, also services vehicle owners in the areas of Shepherd and Laurel, MT.