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5 Indicators Your Heavy Duty Truck Needs Exhaust System Repair

In addition to your check engine light, how else can you know whether your exhaust system needs repair? Here are 5 indicators that you need to keep in mind to detect exhaust system issues in the heavy duty truck. 
Semi truck getting exhaust system repairs

Dashboard warning lights are available on several truck systems to let you know when anything is amiss. Although the check engine light will turn on if there is a problem with your DPF, mass airflow sensor, or oxygen sensor, your exhaust system does not. In addition to your check engine light, how else can you know whether your exhaust system needs repair? Here are 5 indicators that you need to keep in mind to detect exhaust system issues in the heavy duty truck. 

1. You experience unusual noises 

Your truck will sound significantly louder if there is a problem with the muffler since it is a component of the exhaust system of your truck. You'll notice the increased noises when you first start your truck in the morning, from a cold start throughout the day, or when you accelerate. Excessive noise may also be produced by a leaking exhaust manifold gasket.

Along with other odd sounds you can hear, a rattling sound is often connected to an exhaust system problem. However, a strange sound may be brought on by a variety of automotive issues, so it's best to get your truck examined by a qualified technician to identify the exact reason for the noise. Your exhaust system may be malfunctioning if your truck is shaking or seems to be losing power, and this is a frequent indicator.

2. Power and acceleration issues

Speaking of acceleration, engine performance may be impacted by exhaust issues, and you could notice that your truck doesn't accelerate as quickly as it once did or that you suddenly lose power. Loss of power and/or acceleration may indicate an exhaust leak in your exhaust system, thus it is essential to get the leak checked out as soon as possible to prevent additional damage.

3. Increased fuel use

Any number of factors, including your exhaust system, might result in a decline in your truck's fuel economy. The acceleration and/or power reductions mentioned above lead to fuel gorging in the exhaust system. When your engine isn't getting the proper power, it has to work harder to maintain speed, which forces it to use more fuel than usual.

The exhaust system has a significant impact on the truck's fuel economy. It's possible that your engine isn't receiving enough oxygen, or that backed-up exhaust gasses are harming vital parts of the engine and fuel system. However, a number of problems may lead to decreased fuel economy, so it's better to get this checked out by a qualified automotive specialist.

4. Burning smells 

You'll detect a rotten egg smell if your DPF is malfunctioning. Burning odors coming from your engine compartment are a sign that your head gasket is deteriorating. Odd odors are often a warning indication of problems, so pull over to a safe place as soon as you switch off the engine.

Inside your truck, you shouldn't ever smell diesel. If you do, something is wrong with your exhaust system. Your exhaust pipes or tubes may have been damaged, which would be the problem. As a consequence of the tubes or pipes leaking exhaust, your truck starts to smell like fuel. Avoid taking risks and operating your truck normally. Instead, a fuel smell signals danger, so take your truck to the mechanic as soon as possible.

When the engine is running, it is certainly a matter for worry if the truck you are in smells heavily of exhaust fumes. It's possible that you're taking in dangerous carbon monoxide, and the exhaust system almost certainly has a leak.

5. Engine check light

There are a variety of causes for the check engine light to illuminate. While some may be mild, others may be quite dangerous. One of the most frequent causes for the light to turn on is the exhaust system, particularly the oxygen sensor. When the check engine light illuminates, you should never take chances. Have your truck examined as soon as you can.

Final words 

One of your truck's most crucial systems is the exhaust system. It regulates emissions that might harm the environment and it shields your engine from damaging impurities. Additionally, it prevents harmful exhaust gasses from entering the passenger compartment.

You should not put off repairs if your exhaust system has a leak or a malfunctioning part, such as the muffler, exhaust pipes, DPF, oxygen sensor, manifold gaskets, or anything else. Your exhaust system as a whole must be operating successfully and efficiently. Otherwise, it will impact your health and the performance of your truck. A bad exhaust system may potentially result in significant engine damage that will be extremely costly to fix if left unattended.