Exhaust Repair and Service
What does the car exhaust do?
A vehicle's exhaust system carries away the gases that are produced by the engine combustion. It allows the vehicle to operate with minimal noise, smoke and pollution transmitted to the environment. A properly maintained exhaust system is essential to the clean and efficient operation of the car. The system is made up of a number of different components.
Exhaust Manifolds: Exhaust manifolds are connected to the cylinder head. They primary function is to vent the cylinders. The exhaust gases are combined into one pipe to flow away from the engine.
Oxygen Sensors: Oxygen sensors measure the ratio of oxygen to exhaust and transmit this information to the vehicle computer so it can adjust the amount of fuel being added to the air going into the engine.
Catalytic Converter: The catalytic converter changes carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into water and carbon dioxide, which is more environmentally friendly. Catalytic converters are required by almost all states.
Muffler: The muffler helps reduce noises that are created by the engine.
Exhaust Pipe: The exhaust travels through the various exhaust components and releases emissions through the exhaust pipe in the back of the vehicle.
What should car exhaust smell like?
Inside the vehicle, there shouldn't be any smell of exhaust fumes. Any odors that are detected – should be addressed immediately. Exhaust fumes are not only dangerous, but can be deadly. If there is a sulfur or rotten egg smell, there could be an issue with the catalytic converter. A heavy scent of gasoline may indicate an issue with the oxygen sensor. No matter what may be causing the issue, any exhaust fumes in the vehicle should be inspected urgently.
What makes car exhaust loud?
If your vehicle is making loud noises, it may be a sign of issues with your exhaust system. There could be damage to any of the exhaust components – including the front pipe, catalytic converter, intermediate exhaust pipe, front muffler, rear exhaust pipe, and rear muffler. All of these components are sealed together and held in place by mounts and brackets. A small hole in any of these sections can allow noise to escape – which can become increasingly louder. Additionally, if any of the support clamps are loose, it may cause a rattling noise. While the noise may be annoying, it's generally not as loud as a hole in the exhaust system.
What causes car exhaust to smoke?
Vehicles should not be emitting smoke. If you see smoke coming from your car's tailpipe – this is something that you should have inspected. Often times the color of the smoke will range from white, gray, blue or black. The color of the smoke can indicate the source of the issue.
On cold mornings, you may see white vapor, but this should go away once the car engine is warm. If you continue to see white smoke, there may be problems with the engine block. Coolant could be leaking in to the engine because of a leak in the head gasket.
If you see a bluish smoke coming from the tailpipe, this could indicate trouble with the oil. Whether it is light or dark, that indigo shade suggests that oil is burning. The oil is possibly leaking into combustion chambers and that signals very definite problems with the engine.
The darker the smoke is the more serious the problems grows. A gray smoke color is a warning sign of possible transmission fluid burning. Thick, black smoke suggests that the engine is being flooded with gasoline. There are different instances which may cause this to happen.
No matter what the color, if you notice smoke coming from your vehicle's tailpipe, you should plan to have a qualified mechanic take a look. Due to the toxic gases and potential hazards, issues with the exhaust system should not be taken lightly.
When should I replace the car exhaust?
Major exhaust components are designed to last a long time, but there's no way to predict their true lifespan. This is because they're subject to a lot of factors that affect durability. They're made primarily of metal, which corrodes easily since they're under extremely high temperatures. Our climate, environmental conditions and personal driving habits can also impact the condition of exhaust components.
It's not likely that your vehicle's entire car exhaust system would fail at the same time. Generally, there are smaller issues with rubber gaskets or loose clamps, which if ignored, can lead to bigger problems. Clamps are susceptible to drying, cracking and snapping caused by engine heat, environmental conditions and chassis flex. Discovering issues early and taking action can help to minimize the repair costs.
Top signs of car exhaust problems?
Vehicles in New York State need to be inspected annually. One of the items that is checked is the exhaust system. Emissions tests will examine the gases exiting your vehicle. Not only is this good for the environment, but it will help to indicate any early warning signs of problems with your exhaust system.
In addition to annual inspections, if you notice odor inside the vehicle, smoke coming from the tailpipe, or loud noises – those are all signs of potential issues with the exhaust system. These should not be ignored as these are important safety concerns for your vehicle.
If you have any questions about your vehicle's exhaust system or would like to have a qualified mechanic inspect your exhaust to ensure it is in safe operating condition, please contact the nearest Dunn Tire store for assistance.
Service Available at
- Buffalo, New York
- Blasdell
- Buffalo
- Lancaster
- Niagara Falls
- Clarence/Williamsville
- Amherst
- West Seneca
- Lockport
- Erie, Pennsylvania
- Erie (Peach St)
- Erie (West 12th St)
- Harborcreek
- Rochester, New York
- Batavia
- Brockport
- Greece
- Pittsford
- Gates
- Webster
- Henrietta
- Southern Tier, New York
- Jamestown
- Dunkirk/Fredonia
- Olean
- Syracuse, New York
- Mattydale
- Dewitt
- Camillus
- Auburn
Inspection extensions
You can receive an inspection extension if you buy or get a vehicle from an out-of-state source. After you register the vehicle in NYS, you are allowed ten days to complete the vehicle inspection. Any inspection issued to the previous registrant is not valid after you register the vehicle.
If you become a New York state resident
If you become a resident of NYS and register your vehicle in NYS, your out-of-state inspection remains valid. The out-of-state certificate or inspection sticker issued in your name is valid until it expires, or for one year after the vehicle is registered in NYS, whichever comes first. When your out-of-state inspection expires, you must get the vehicle inspected in NYS.
What items does NY State Require be checked for the Safety Inspection?
- Seat Belts
- Brakes
- Steering, Front End, Suspension, Chassis, Frame and Wheel Fasteners
- Tires (Except spare)
- Lights
- Windshield and Other Glass
- Windshield Wipers and Blades
- Horn
- Mirrors
- Fuel Leaks
- Tinted Windows (effective Jan.17)
See full details of the requirements here.
What are the Emissions Inspection requirements?
(Excerpt taken directly from NY State DMV Website)
The 1990 Federal Clean Air Act requires New York State to conduct an inspection program to help reduce harmful emissions from most passenger cars and light-duty trucks. The emissions inspection is done at the same time as the annual safety inspection. Vehicles that fail the emissions inspection may not be able to become registered or, if already registered, the registration may not be renewed.
On-Board Diagnostics Generation II (OBDII) Inspection. Most 1996 or newer gasoline-powered vehicles and most 1997 or newer diesel-powered vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) less than 8,501 pounds are subject to the OBDII emissions inspection. This test examines the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), also known as the "check engine" light, for operation/illumination, and verifies the test results of the vehicle's "on-board emissions diagnostic" system.
Low Enhanced Inspection. A "Low Enhanced" emissions inspection is required for most other vehicles, unless they are subject to the OBDII test or are exempt from all emissions inspections. This inspection is required for all vehicles from and including model year 1995 and older, through and including vehicles that are up to 25 model years old, and that weigh 18,000 lbs. or less.
Each emissions inspection for gasoline-powered vehicles confirms the presence and connection of the vehicle's required emissions control devices. This includes making sure that the vehicle's gas cap is present, is in good condition, and fits properly.
The following emissions control devices are examined if the vehicle was originally manufactured with them:
- Catalytic converter (CAT)
- Exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR)
- Positive crankcase ventilation system (PCV)
- Air injection system (AIS)
- Evaporative emissions control (EVAP)
- Fuel inlet restrictor (FIR)
- Thermostatic air cleaner (TAC)
You can help your vehicle pass an OBDII emissions inspection by keeping it properly maintained. If the vehicle's Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL, or "check engine" light) indicates there may be a malfunction or other problem, have the vehicle properly repaired. A well maintained, properly functioning vehicle uses less fuel and creates less exhaust emissions.
Service Available at
- Buffalo, New York
- Blasdell
- Buffalo
- Lancaster
- Niagara Falls
- Clarence/Williamsville
- Amherst
- West Seneca
- Lockport
- Erie, Pennsylvania
- Erie (Peach St)
- Erie (West 12th St)
- Harborcreek
- Rochester, New York
- Batavia
- Brockport
- Greece
- Pittsford
- Gates
- Webster
- Henrietta
- Southern Tier, New York
- Jamestown
- Dunkirk/Fredonia
- Olean
- Syracuse, New York
- Mattydale
- Dewitt
- Camillus
- Auburn
Dunn Tire is an official New York state vehicle inspection station.
All vehicles registered in New York State must get a safety inspection and an emissions inspection every 12 months. See the NY State Inspection Requirements here. Both inspections are also required when the ownership of a vehicle is transferred. (Some vehicles are exempt from emissions inspections.)
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