Is it Safe to Drive With an Exhaust Leak?

Your vehicle’s exhaust system keeps the car quiet and the exhaust fumes away from the cabin. Furthermore, the system helps to keep the engine running properly, reduce emissions, and provide you with optimum fuel efficiency. Driving with an exhaust leak is potentially dangerous as the fumes contain carbon monoxide.

Things to keep in mind when driving with an exhaust leak:

  • One sign of an exhaust leak is a loud rumbling noise coming from your vehicle while you are driving. This is one of the most common signs, and your vehicle should be inspected by a mechanic so they can determine how much of the exhaust system needs repairs.

  • Another sign of an exhaust leak is if you have to fill up your gas tank more often. An exhaust leak can decrease fuel efficiency, causing your engine to work harder, and you to fill up your gas tank more frequently.

  • A third sign your exhaust may be leaking is if your gas pedal vibrates while you are driving. Even the smallest of leaks can cause the vehicle to vibrate, yet the bigger the leak the stronger the vibrations will be. Normally the vibrations start in the gas pedal, then move to the steering wheel, and into the floorboards the larger the leak gets.

  • When your exhaust system is not working properly, extra heat is flowing into your engine. This can cause the catalytic converter to become damaged. A failing catalytic converter can be expensive to replace, so it is best to have your exhaust repaired before more extensive damage happens to your vehicle’s operating system.

  • If you have driven with your exhaust leak for a while and now you notice your vehicle sounds like someone is shaking a box of rocks when you are idling, this may be a sign that your catalytic converter is going bad. This means you have waited too long to get your exhaust system checked, and you need to get it inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible.

Signs of an exhaust leak include a vibrating gas pedal, poor fuel mileage, loud noises, and potentially smelling exhaust fumes. If you suspect an exhaust leak, get your vehicle inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible. Inhaling exhaust fumes for an extensive amount of time is not good for you because they contain carbon monoxide. Furthermore, an exhaust leak wreaks havoc on your entire vehicle’s system and can potentially cause more expensive damage.


Next Step

Schedule Noise from engine or exhaust Inspection

The most popular service booked by readers of this article is Noise from engine or exhaust Inspection. Once the problem has been diagnosed, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $20.00 off as a credit towards the repair. YourMechanic’s technicians bring the dealership to you by performing this job at your home or office 7-days a week between 7AM-9PM. We currently cover over 2,000 cities and have 100k+ 5-star reviews... LEARN MORE

SEE PRICING & SCHEDULING

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Recent Noise from engine or exhaust Inspection reviews

Excellent Rating

(421)

Rating Summary
390
13
3
1
14
390
13
3
1
14

Pierre

10 years of experience
366 reviews
Pierre
10 years of experience
Ford Focus L4-2.0L - Noise from engine or exhaust - Medford, Massachusetts
Pierre was awesome he went over everything with me told me it wasn’t my blower fan but did an inspection for me and explained I have a few things to take care of I will be setting up another appointment with Pierre. I wish I had known about him sooner.
Kia Forte - Noise from engine or exhaust - Cambridge, Massachusetts
Pierre was thorough, seemed very knowledgeable and took his time to inform me about what was going on so that I could make the right decision.

Andrew

12 years of experience
962 reviews
Andrew
12 years of experience
Ford Focus L4-2.0L - Noise from engine or exhaust - Olathe, Kansas
Andy has worked on our cars for years. He is so nice and always on time. He always explains everything very well and has just been great to work with !
BMW 740i - Noise from engine or exhaust - Shawnee Mission, Kansas
i thought it was an Adjusting pulley. Andrew looked and said that the fan blades were no aligned with the the Fan Housing. We then listened and I told him it could be the impeller in the water pump but the sound wasn't "metallic". He said that the impellers in my water pump were a plastic composite. He was right on both accounts. What a PRO! I recommend this guy to anyone. He was on-time, courteous and RIGHT in the diagnosis. I'll ask for him again.......next time something else breaks.

Timothy

8 years of experience
37 reviews
Timothy
8 years of experience
Toyota Tacoma L4-2.7L - Noise from engine or exhaust - Tucson, Arizona
Very personal, explain the problem. Great customer service. I would like for him service my truck.

Shawn

13 years of experience
379 reviews
Shawn
13 years of experience
Chevrolet Traverse V6-3.6L - Noise from engine or exhaust - Pottstown, Pennsylvania
My first time using the service. The whole process worked without any issues. Shawn was great to work with. Knowledgeable and helped with diagnosing engine noise. Offered straight forward advice without trying to sell unnecessary work.

Need Help With Your Car?

Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair.

GET A QUOTE

Related articles

How Long Does an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Tube Last?
The The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) tube is part of your vehicle's EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system and is part of the EGR valve. The EGR valve works to recirculate the exhaust gas your car produces so that you aren't...
How Long Does a Front Output Shaft Oil Seal Last?
For For those who operate a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle, there are a number of important parts that are necessary. The front output shaft oil seal is one of those parts, and is a gasket that is circular...
How to Replace an Exhaust Clamp
An exhaust pipe is supported by exhaust clamps within a vehicle. A bad clamp can lead to exhaust leaks that can turn hazardous if not addressed.

Related questions

Can a Brake Leak Cause My Brakes to Fail?
Yes, but only if the leak is large and sudden. Such leaks are typically due to a blown steel brake line (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-can-cause-brake-fluid-to-leak-from-the-brake-system) (due to rust) or a blown rubber hose. Even in the event of a large leak, in a...
Car overheating and leaking
It sounds like you have a coolant leak. The most common coolant leak I've seen on your vehicle make and model is the intake manifold. The intake manifold is made of plastic and cannot withstand high temperatures like metals can....
Car exhaust loud when accelerating
The exhaust problem is likely from your flex pipe. The flex pipe allows your engine to move while the exhaust is stationary. It is a common repair which requires a welder and tools. The oil leak needs to be cleaned...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com