Car Exhaust Repair & Replacement Services

Your car's exhaust pipe serves a number of purposes, but it needs to be in good condition and working well for you to get the best fuel economy possible and reduce the CO2 emissions produced by your car. We carry out a free visual exhaust check as part of our vehicle health check, which checks the exhaust, catalytic converter, and mountings for physical damage, leaking joints, and corrosion.

We have over 150 local centres throughout the UK that can check the condition of your exhaust and advise on any repairs or replacements that need to be carried out to keep your car running in peak condition.

How do I know if my exhaust needs replacing?

When should you check your exhaust system?

Exhaust systems are prone to damage from plenty of different sources, whether they come from external knocks and bumps or from corrosion caused by the age of the vehicle. For that reason, it’s recommended to check your exhaust pipe for physical damage at least once every 10,000 miles, or once a year- whichever comes around first. Your car’s exhaust system may show some tell-tale signs of failure that indicate repair work or a replacement that you may notice, including:

• Louder engine noise while driving
• A knocking or rattling sound indicating something may have come loose
• Visible holes
• A low-hanging or dragging pipe

Keep your car in prime condition with our Car Maintenance Tips & Advice

Warning signs that your exhaust needs attention

A damaged exhaust often gives itself away before it fails completely. The most obvious sign is a louder engine noise than usual. If your car suddenly sounds more aggressive or starts to roar when you accelerate, there’s a good chance the exhaust system is compromised.

Other warning signs include vibrations through the pedals or steering wheel, a strong smell of fumes inside the cabin, or visible rust and holes in the exhaust pipe. You might also notice reduced fuel efficiency or sluggish acceleration, especially on hills. If you experience any of these issues, it’s time to get your exhaust checked. Acting early can prevent a minor fault from becoming a costly replacement.

The effects of exhaust damage

Damage to exhaust systems can not only make running a car more uncomfortable from additional noise, smoke or worse fuel consumption, but it may make your car’s noise levels and CO2 emissions higher than the legal requirements. This could potentially be cause for an MOT test failure, as the car will not be deemed legal for road use.

Sometimes you will be able to spot visual damage to the exhaust, giving you a clear idea of any work required, however as the exhaust pipe travels across the entire length of the underside of your car, it can be difficult to know for certain without your car being placed on a hydraulic lift, as found in our centres nationwide.

Physical external damage to the exhaust is the single most common reason that an exhaust needs repair or replacement, although for older cars rust can also be a cause for concern. Knocks and bumps can damage the exhaust, sometimes these come from a speed bump or from backing on to a high curb.