Expert muffler & exhaust repair from ASE-certified technicians at our Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa and Anaheim shops.
The exhaust system has three main functions;
The fumes that come out of your tailpipe are toxic and you don’t want them getting into the passenger compartment. That’s why you should never run your engine in a closed garage. If you have a leak in the exhaust system, exhaust could get into the passenger cabin and make you sick or even kill you.
As your engine runs the combustion process causes the dangerous fumes to be produced. The fumes enter the exhaust manifold and are funneled to the Catalytic Converter which reduces the toxicity of them by transforming them into less harmful gasses which are expelled from the tailpipe. The muffler helps to reduce the noise of the engine and reduce the sound created by the tailpipe as the gases escape.
Probably the most obvious sign of an issue is a loud noise coming out of the exhaust. Almost everyone has probably heard a car driving down the road with a loud blowing noise coming out of the exhaust.
If you can detect even the faintest smell of exhaust fumes while driving immediately roll down the windows and get booked in for an exhaust inspection. As we previously said these fumes are toxic you don’t want to be driving around inhaling them.
Probably the hardest sign to spot, you hear a ticking noise when you start the car but as you drive away it stops. As the noise has gone away you convince yourself you were probably hearing things and ignore it. This is a sign of a crack in the exhaust or a bad connection in the system that leaks when its cold but as the exhaust heats up the metal expands, masking the problem.
More than likely you have seen a car driving around with an obviously damaged exhaust so you may be thinking you can ignore it. This is a bad idea, if your exhaust is damaged you will be driving around spewing out toxic chemicals into the air and when your Smog Check comes up you will more than likely fail. If you keep driving with a damaged exhaust the damage will only get worse. The worse the damage to an exhaust gets the harder your engine is going to have to work, which is just going to cause more wear and tear on that and lead to more expensive repairs!
If you have noticed any of the warning signs above, bring your vehicle in for a checkup. As a AAA approved auto shop you can rest assured that your exhaust inspection and any repairs will be carried out quickly and efficiently at Expertec Automotive.
At any of our three shops: Huntington Beach (7680 Talbert Ave), Costa Mesa (1934 Newport Blvd) and Anaheim (718 W. Lincoln Ave).
Yes. Our ASE-certified technicians service domestic, European and Asian vehicles, including hybrids and diesels.
Yes. Every repair includes a 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Nationwide Warranty plus 12 Month / 12,000 Mile Roadside Assistance.
Book online in minutes at our Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa and Anaheim shops. Online appointments are drop-off appointments; for a waiting appointment, please call the shop.
Mon–Fri 7:30AM–6PM · Sat 7:30AM–4PM. All appointments booked online are drop-off appointments. For waiting appointments, please call the shop.
7680 Talbert Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Huntington Beach Auto Repair →Book in Huntington BeachView Shop
1934 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Costa Mesa Auto Repair →Book in Costa MesaView Shop
Auto RepairMaintenanceSmog CheckTiresFleet ServicesAlternator RepairAuto A/C RepairAxle Repair & ReplacementBelts & Hoses ReplacementBrake RepairCamshaft Sensor RepairCar Battery Service & ReplacementCatalytic Converter RepairCheck Engine Light & DiagnosticsClassic Car & Hot Rod ServiceCooling System RepairDiesel RepairDifferential Service & RepairDrive Line RepairEngine Repair & ServiceFuel Induction ServiceGas Saving TipsHybrid Vehicle RepairMuffler & Exhaust RepairOfficial Lamp & Brake Inspection StationOil Change & Lube ServicePower Steering RepairShocks, Struts & Suspension RepairStarter Repair & ReplacementTowing ServiceTransmission RepairTune-Up ServiceVehicle InspectionWater Pump Repair
Voted Orange County’s Best Auto Repair 10 years in a row by readers of the Orange County Register. Book online in minutes or call your nearest shop.