Driving with a damaged or faulty exhaust system can lead to several potential issues. Initially, there may be excessive noise due to leaks along the exhaust route. This can progress to more severe problems, such as decreased fuel efficiency because of a drop in back pressure, which affects engine performance.
Driving with a Damaged Exhaust System
Components of the exhaust system like the catalytic converter, which breaks down harmful gases before they are emitted, may lose functionality. This translates to a higher emission of toxic gases like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and other hazardous pollutants, causing an environmental concern and potential harm to the vehicle’s occupants if these gases enter the cabin.
The damage can extend to performance issues, such as lower power and acceleration, as the exhaust system interacts directly with the vehicle’s engine system.