The engine in your gas-powered Ford uses combustion to power itself, which creates gases that need to be removed safely from the vehicle. This is the job of your exhaust system, which provides a pipeline for the gases to be expelled behind your vehicle without any issue. When the exhaust system isn’t working properly, there can be serious health concerns and further damage done to your Ford, which is why our service department at Downtown Ford offers exhaust system services to those who live in Toronto, ON.
Read on as we go over the exhaust system more thoroughly, including covering signs that indicate it’s time to get your exhaust system serviced, including unusual noises, gas smells in the cabin of your vehicle, and more.
At Downtown Ford, our trained technicians can also help you with other issues, such as Air Conditioning System Service, Brake Service, Electrical System Service, and more.
What Does Your Exhaust System Do?
Your exhaust system gets rid of the combustion gases that come from the engine, which reduces noise, controls emissions, and helps your engine perform to the best of its ability. When the fuel in your engine burns, it creates carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides, which are not something you want to be around too much of in a closed space. The exhaust system collects the gases from the engine cylinders, moving them away from the engine and to a place they can safely be expelled.
Your exhaust system gets wear and tear, just like any system that gets consistently used, and needs to be replaced every 5 to 7 years. This number can vary based on your driving conditions, the maintenance work you put in, as well as the quality of the components of your exhaust system, though. A trained service technician can look at your exhaust system and perform maintenance and repairs on it as needed, and can also advise you on when it might be time to replace the system components.
Signs That Your Exhaust System Needs Repair
Watch for these signs that your exhaust system needs some attention:
- Unusual/loud noises caused by a leak in the exhaust system, a loose exhaust pipe, or even a loose or faulty catalytic converter
- Hissing/popping noises that are indicative of a blockage in the exhaust system
- Burning smells, which can be a sign of a failed gasket
- Gas smells in the cabin of your vehicle, a sign of a leaky exhaust system
Exhaust System FAQs
How long should an exhaust system last for?
While the general rule of thumb is exhaust systems tend to wear out after around 5 to 7 years of driving, this might not be the case depending on the conditions in which you drive your vehicle, the materials your exhaust system was made out of, as well as how often you get it checked and maintained over the course of that period of time.
I have a hybrid system, does my exhaust system still need to be checked?
Because hybrid vehicles use both a gas-powered engine and electricity to run, the exhaust system still functions to help the engine itself get rid of the harmful emissions it creates during the combustion process. While you might not need to get it checked as often because of that, it’s still advisable to get it checked every few years just to be safe.
I own an electric-only Ford. Does it have an exhaust system?
The emissions that need to be removed from a vehicle come from a gas-powered engine and the combustion process it uses to turn fuel into power. Because electric-only vehicles use electricity, they do not have exhaust systems. It helps to think of it this way: if you don’t need gas to move your vehicle, it doesn’t emit anything that needs to be safely removed!
Get Your Exhaust System Serviced at Downtown Ford in Toronto, ON
If your exhaust system is showing any of the above signs, visit our team of trained technicians in our Service Department at Downtown Ford in Toronto, ON. We’ll give your Ford’s exhaust system a comprehensive check and get to the bottom of any issues it may be having, and get your vehicle running at peak condition in no time. Reach out to us if you have any questions about our service department, and if you’re ready to book your service appointment now, simply fill out the form below!