Sounds Exhausting! (Exhaust Service)
January 22, 2023
Most of us know a bad muffler when we hear it. That loud, rumbling sound is unmistakable. Did you also know you can get a ticket for driving around with a loud exhaust system?
If your exhaust system has a leak in it, it may be allowing poisonous gases inside your vehicle and could make you seriously ill (or even kill you!) if you breathe too much in.
Unfortunately, your exhaust system faces a lot of destructive forces out on the road. Rust is the worst, and not just in colder climates where they use salt and brine as de-icers. Exhaust systems can rust from the inside out when moisture condenses inside the pipes. Vibrations and jolts from rough roads (and the occasional run in with a rock or a curb) can wreak havoc with exhaust systems. Even a bad oxygen sensor can send too much fuel into the catalytic converter, and the resulting heat can wind up destroying this very expensive component.
Your exhaust system is made up of several parts, and all need to be in good shape in order for you to be sure that the gases created by your engine's combustion get properly moved out and away from the vehicle. The good news is that many newer exhaust systems are made out of more durable materials like stainless steel. But all exhaust systems are subjected to some of the roughest elements streets can dish out. So it's a good idea to have your exhaust system periodically inspected and serviced.
There are a lot of parts to keep track of in an exhaust system, including the muffler, manifold, catalytic convertor, oxygen sensors and the muffler (or maybe your vehicle has more than one). We strongly recommend having your exhaust system periodically checked so we can catch a problem before it turns into something major… and maybe dangerous. We can recommend repair or replacement that suits your driving habits and budget.
Oh, and remember one final benefit to a tip-top-shape exhaust system. Your vehicle will dump far less pollution into the atmosphere if it's working the way engineers designed it. We'll all breathe a little easier when our exhaust systems are doing their job right.
Commerce Auto Repair
9575 Commerce Rd.
Commerce, Michigan 48382
248.363.3749
Need Service?
More articles from Commerce Auto Repair

Can This Tire Be Saved? A Guide to Tire Repair vs. Replacement
August 2, 2026
When something goes wrong with one of your tires, one of the first things that goes through your head is: Do I have to buy a new tire, or is it possible to save this one with a repair? Understanding when you can have a tire fixed and when you need it replaced can prevent you from driving an unsaf... More

Straight Steering Starts Here
July 26, 2026
Wheel alignment is one of those maintenance items you probably dont notice until something doesnt feel quite right. But alignment plays a major role in how safely and smoothly your vehicle handles. If your wheels arent all pointed in the right direction, everything from steering response to tire ... More

Timing Cover Replacement
July 19, 2026
Your engine has a lot of parts that need to work in harmony in order to keep you powering down the road. Some of those parts need to be protected in order to keep things running smoothly, and one that does the job is called a timing cover. It is in the front of your engine and shields components... More
