The exhaust system is often neglected until it becomes loud enough to bother the vehicle's driver, or a piece falls off.  It shouldn't be.

The exhaust system stretches from the engine to the back of your car, and includes the brackets which hold it, the catalytic converter, and the muffler.

The pipe can become corroded and exhaust can leak.  If this happens near the back of the car, it may go unnoticed, except for the odor of exhaust, particularly when you are stopped.

If a leak is forward of the muffler, you can add more noise to the mix, since the purpose of the muffler is to deaden the sound of the engine.  

If this leak if forward of the catalytic converter, it now becomes dangerous.  The catalytic converter uses a chemical reaction to remove harmful pollutants and change carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide.  Carbon monoxide in strong enough doses or over a long enough period can make you sick or even kill you.

Most states require inspections of these components at least annually.  Given how serious the consequences are, they should be checked any time you change tires or have the car on a lift for any other reason.

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764 Mast Road
Manchester, NH  03102

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