Used Car Exhausts
The exhaust carries burnt gases away from the engine, quiets the noise, and cleans what comes out of the tailpipe. When it fails, the car gets loud, smells of fumes, and may fail its MOT. This page explains what the exhaust system does, the signs it needs attention, what to check on a used part, and how to enquire.
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What the exhaust system does
The exhaust starts at the manifold, bolted to the engine, and runs under the car through pipes, a catalytic converter, silencers and the tailpipe. It does three jobs: it carries hot gases away from the engine, it quiets the explosions inside the cylinders, and it cleans the gases before they leave the car.
The system is held up by rubber mounts and joined by clamps and flanges. It lives a hard life — hot, wet and shaken — so it rusts from the outside and corrodes from the inside, and the mounts perish. A blowing joint or a rusted silencer is one of the most common repairs on an older car.
Signs exhaust parts may need replacing
Exhaust trouble is usually heard before it is seen. A change in the sound of the car, or a smell of fumes inside, is the sign to act on.
- The car sounding louder, deeper or raspier than usual
- A blowing or hissing noise from underneath, especially when cold
- A smell of exhaust fumes inside the car
- The exhaust hanging low or rattling against the body
- Rust, holes or cracks visible on pipes or silencers
What to check before buying a used exhaust part
Exhaust parts are matched to the engine and the body, so the part number and the position matter. A used exhaust part should be solid, not rusted through, and the joints should be clean.
- The part number matches, and the section is the right one
- There are no holes, cracks or rusted-through patches
- Flanges and clamps are straight and not corroded away
- Rubber mounts are not split or perished
- Your mechanic has confirmed the part will fit your car
How to enquire about a used exhaust part
Give the registration, make, model and year of your car, and say which section of the exhaust you need — the manifold, a pipe, a silencer, or the tailpipe. Exhaust parts are specific to the engine and the body shape, so the section matters as much as the part name.
The parts enquiry form is the quickest route, or you can call 07961 404768. Describe the fault — a blowing joint, a rusted silencer, a hanging pipe — and whether the car is petrol or diesel, so the right section can be checked first.
Frequently asked questions
What is an exhaust manifold?
The manifold is the first part of the exhaust, bolted directly to the engine. It collects the burnt gases from each cylinder into one pipe. A cracked manifold blows loudly, smells of fumes and can let the car fail its emissions check.
Why is my car louder than usual?
A louder car usually means a hole or a blowing joint in the exhaust — a rusted silencer, a cracked pipe or a failed clamp. The sound often changes when the engine is cold. Have the system looked at underneath, as a hole can also let fumes into the car.
What is a silencer?
A silencer, also called a muffler, is a box in the exhaust that quiets the noise of the engine. Exhaust gases pass through chambers and baffles inside it that cancel the sound. A rusted silencer gets loud, and a blocked one can choke the engine.
Can exhaust fumes get inside the car?
Yes, if there is a hole or a blowing joint before the tailpipe, or if the tailpipe is damaged. A smell of fumes inside the car should be checked promptly, as exhaust gas is harmful. Do not ignore it or cover it with air freshener.
What should I ask about a used exhaust part?
Ask for the part number and which section it is, whether there are holes or rusted-through patches, and whether flanges and mounts are sound. Give your car's registration and the section first, so the right part can be checked. Mention the symptoms as well, so the right section can be checked first.
Related pages
Looking for a used exhaust part?
Call 07961 404768WhatsApp 07961 404768Autos Craft Ltd · 295 Cherrywood Rd, Birmingham B9 4UU, United Kingdom · Open 24 hours