Emissions Inspection & Problem Repair
If your vehicle has failed its emission test or if you are experiencing a problem with your muffler, you should see a technician who is certified to work with emissions. One common indication of an emissions problem includes the illumination of your vehicle's oil light and/or check engine light. Do not delay the repair of your vehicle's emissions. Some states will not even allow you to drive your vehicle unless the emissions are up to state regulations. Continuing to drive a vehicle with faulty emissions has the potential to cause significant damage to your vehicle. Left unresolved, the faulty emissions could spiral into an even more expensive repair down the road.
Identifying Emissions Problems
While drivers can take preventative action to ensure that their vehicles adhere to emissions standards, older vehicles often experience emissions issues due to their outdated technology. Qualified technicians can run tests that measure your emission levels and determine where the problem lies.Perhaps there is a compromised or missing catalytic converter. Or, maybe your vehicle's exhaust emissions contain excessive hydrocarbon, oxides of nitrogen, or carbon monoxide. It is possible a technician will find additional problems while performing a diagnostic test that had not caught your attention before. If a vehicle fails an emissions inspection, repairs might be needed to pass the reinspection. Once a technician pinpoints any flaws with your emissions system, they can explain exactly what the problem is and perform any necessary exhaust repairs.
Repair and Emissions Inspection
It is possible, but not advised, to perform an emissions repair yourself. Unless you are a certified technician, you could make a critical mistake during the repair process that will harm your vehicle at some point in the future. Today's computer controlled and fuel injected vehicles have complicated equipment that requires a technician with a high degree of automotive knowledge and training to properly diagnose and make any needed repairs. Technicians have access to OBD generic scan tools, 5-gas exhaust analyzers and engine analyzers that allow them to accurately measure your emissions.
Emissions Control System Repair & Service FAQs
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If your vehicle failed emission testing and it needs repairing, then the cost will depend on the exact cause, but the repair work typically starts around $200. Replacing your exhaust system depends on the type of car you drive, but that work starts at approximately $175.
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Forever. The exhausts of modern car exhausts are usually made from stainless steel or chrome, so they last for the life of the car. However, if your vehicle has a non-stainless steel exhaust, these last for approximately 5 years, because the pipe can rust, crack or get holes.
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You should not drive with a blown exhaust as it can be dangerous. A blown exhaust can cause fires and fumes, which you can inhale while behind the wheel.
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There are several warning signs that you need a new exhaust system including decreased fuel efficiency, vibrations, and increased engine noise.
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The muffler is just a piece of the exhaust system. It is used to reduce the noise of the exhaust of your car’s engine. The exhaust is the whole system, from the engine cylinder head to the tailpipe. It is made up of many components, such as the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler and all pipes and hardware that connect it to the chassis.
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This is a myth, a muffler, no matter how good it is, cannot improve your gas mileage. However, at the opposite end, a restriction in the exhaust system can negatively impact your MPGs, as well as your vehicle’s performance, as it can prevent your car from starting.