If you notice that your car’s exhaust has a very bad smell that is different from normal or seems stronger than it should, you may have a problem. You don’t want to take any chances with your exhaust so it’s best to make an appointment with a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop. A mechanic will be able to inspect your car’s exhaust and decide what the issue is and how to fix it. Here’s what to do if you notice a bad smell coming from your car’s exhaust.
Check To Ensure The Exhaust Isn’t Inside The Car
The first thing to do if you inhale exhaust gases in the cabin is to make sure they are not coming from another car. Especially when you are at an intersection or in a parking lot, the exhaust gases from another vehicle can enter your HVAC system. In this case, the smell will go away as the other car moves away from you.
Check For A Leak
When you park another vehicle, the most likely cause of exhaust air in your cabin is exhaust gas leakage. The exhaust gases from your car engine are usually emitted through the exhaust pipe. A leak in this system means that it is escaping elsewhere. The exhaust system is large and takes up almost the entire length of your vehicle. This means that locating the source of a leak can be difficult, especially since it can be caused by a number of different things such as loose connections, wear and tear, and physical damage.
Check The Engine
Exhaust leaks can occur almost anywhere in the system. However, smelling the exhaust pipe can sometimes help identify the source of the leak. If you always smell exhaust fumes, it is likely coming near the front of the system. This could be due to physical damage or the exhaust manifold washer. If you only smell it when you’re out of work, you’re more likely to be in the back of the system.
Don’t Ignore it
Exhaust leaks are dangerous. If you smell the exhaust air, driving your car to the repair shop is tempting, but we recommend calling a tow truck instead. Inhaling exhaust fumes can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Other uncomfortable symptoms can include dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, and even loss of consciousness. This can be extremely dangerous for anyone who is driving or the passengers in the cars. Don’t ignore this problem or think it will go away on its own.
If you smell a strange smell in your car and think you car’s exhaust may be leaking or may have an issue, you should consider calling a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop to make an appointment for repairs. The sooner you can make an appointment and have the exhaust problem dealt with, the sooner you can get back to driving. Make an appointment today by calling Network Automotive Service Center. We are here to help you save on the road.