Car trouble · Exhaust & noise

My exhaust is suddenly loud

The car roars, rumbles or sounds like a race car, especially when you accelerate. Something in the exhaust has opened up.

Get to it this week

A starting point, not a diagnosis. Most parts stores read check-engine codes and test batteries for free.

Likely causes — tick the parts you want

  1. A hole in the muffler or exhaust pipe

    most likely · A mechanic’s job

    How to check: With the car in park and the parking brake on, have someone stand beside the car, never under it, and listen along the exhaust while you rev gently. A puffing or roaring spot shows roughly where the hole is.

  2. A stolen catalytic converter

    possible · A mechanic’s job

    How to check: If the car went from quiet to very loud overnight, look underneath between the engine and the muffler for a freshly cut section of pipe.

  3. A broken exhaust hanger letting the pipe sag

    possible · Doable with tools and a free afternoon

    How to check: Look under the car for a pipe hanging lower than normal, or a torn rubber hanger. A sagging pipe can split at a joint.

  4. A leaking exhaust manifold gasket

    less likely · A mechanic’s job

    How to check: A ticking sound from the engine bay that is loudest when the engine is cold and fades as it warms points to the exhaust manifold.

Be careful

An exhaust leak can let carbon monoxide into the cabin — drive with a window cracked and get it fixed soon. The exhaust stays hot long after the engine stops. Never get under a car held up only by a jack — set it on jack stands on flat, solid ground and chock the wheels that stay down.

Your car — the counter needs this

If the counter doesn’t have a part, your shopper asks them to order it under your name and messages you the order number. When it comes in, send someone to collect it.

Not quite it?

My car squeals when I start itSomething rattles under my car
My exhaust is suddenly loud — likely causes and the parts · DriverRuns